Access and internet is our first need in flood response, not the money

Yesterday, Chief Adviser (HCA) at Jamuna has called a meeting with NGO leaders primarily on flood response. There were around 44 NGO leaders has participated. I was 30 minutes late as because of traffic.

First time I have seen very relax security and other environment in such a high level place. HCA given me chance to speak and also during tea time I have had scope to talk to him.

HCA has also given space to everybody who want to speak, he has not tried to stop any one. I made following points.

(i) Please sit with mobile companies and positively help them to restore mobile network with internet in Feni district

(ii) Write letter to Elon Musk to have agreement of business to initiate satellite phone / internet with his company "Starlink" that already he has such agreement with Sri Lanka in this continent.

(iii) Along with Dhaka-Chittagong supply chain road, please give importance to open / make accessible of Mohipal to Chaggalnayia Shubopur Korerhat road and Mohipal to Porsuram Flugazia and Belunia road, so that we the relief workers will have easy access to this worse impacted area.

(iv) There are law and order situation in Korrerhat to Mohipal area in the boarder of Mirreshorai and Feni district especially in the Gopal Union of Chaggalnaiya upazila, agencies have to give importance on this.

(v) Local NGOs are best responders, eg. we are working with them especially with PRAN in Maijdee, PRANTIC in Begumganj and OPCA in Chagalnaiya, Parsuram and Fulgazi.

We / COAST Foundation have already directly opened Community Kitchen in Ramgoti, Chilonia , Begumganj, Feni and Budichong upazila of Commilla. NRDS in Noakhali is also doing good job, I urge NGO leaders to partnering with local NGOs in flood response, rather then working in direct operation. This is localization, internationally has adopted in Grand Bargain commitment leaded by UN and INGOs. Our team waiting in Feni to enter in Chaggalnaiya, Parsuram and Fulgazi.

We are getting support from PKSF, MRA and also from Start Fund Bangladesh.

I have also request HCA to initiate Aman rice Seedling in universities and agricultural research institutes which will be distributed to flood affected area immediately after water recede.

HCA has given importance to prepare a NGO Committee for coordination in this flood response and also to assist him in reform activities as this is the high time to get implementation of pro people reform agenda.

Our CDF (Credit and Development Forum) were so strong in raising voice in the meeting, I request along with CDF, ADAB, FNB and others to take lead to take this opportunity to strengthen this NGO, MFI and CSO sectors. We should mobilize people to support pro people reform activities of this Interim Govt upholding Human Right and Democratic principles.