The recent floods in southeastern Bangladesh have caused an estimated Tk14,421 crore in damages, according to the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
"Significant mismanagement plagued the distribution of relief supplies across the flood-hit regions," CPD Executive Director Fahmida Khatun said during a press conference held at the think tank's Dhanmondi office on Sunday (6 October).
The event, which focused on the devastation and rehabilitation efforts in areas such as Cumilla, Feni, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur, underscored Noakhali as the most affected district in terms of monetary loss, followed by Cumilla, Feni, and Chattogram.
"There has been mixed feedback regarding the involvement of public representatives in the relief process. Some individuals received aid multiple times, while others were left without assistance. Additionally, reports suggest that many sold the relief items they were provided," Dr Fahmida Khatun stated.
According to CPD's data, Feni received the highest amount of relief, valued at Tk16.60 crore. Cumilla and Noakhali each received Tk14.90 crore, while Sylhet was provided Tk14.60 crore, Habiganj Tk13.40 crore, Moulvibazar Tk13 crore, and Chattogram Tk11.80 crore.
Agricultural and forestry sectors suffered the most, incurring losses totalling Tk5,169 crore. Infrastructure damage amounted to Tk4,653 crore, Fahmida Khatun further detailed.
In a related development, the effects of the southeastern floods had barely subsided when, on Friday (4 October), heavy rainfall combined with upstream mountain runoff triggered severe flooding in Sherpur.
As of Sunday, floodwaters had entered 10 additional unions in Sherpur Sadar and Nakla upazilas, bringing the total to 30 unions across five upazilas in the district now submerged.
