The Prime Minister's Office has asked local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to quickly extend humanitarian assistance to people affected by floods and landslides in Cox's Bazar, Chattogram and other areas.

The NGO Affairs Bureau, under the PMO, issued a letter today, saying heavy rain-triggered floods and landslides had caused extensive damage to lives, homes and infrastructure across Chattogram division, including the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) camps and host communities in Cox's Bazar.

Many people have fallen into a humanitarian crisis and urgently need food, safe drinking water, shelter, healthcare, sanitation and other essential support, the letter said, urging NGOs working in the affected areas to provide services "as quickly as possible".

To expedite relief operations, the bureau has formed a five-member committee to approve emergency relief projects and release funds. The committee will work round the clock, including on holidays.

Barrister Md Khalilur Rahman Khan, director of the NGO Affairs Bureau and a joint secretary-level official, has been made convener. The other members are Sirajul Islam Khan, assignment officer; Md Kuddus Rahman, personal assistant to the director general; and Md Jamalul Ferdous, stenographer-computer operator. Deputy Director Md Rakibul Hasan will serve as member secretary.

The bureau has asked NGOs to carry out relief work in coordination with the relevant district administration, the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, local administration and other government agencies, and keep it informed of the progress of humanitarian assistance.

The bureau also provided the mobile number 01913-840426 for a round-the-clock coordination.