Adviser to the BNP Chairperson Brig Gen (retd) ASM Hannan Shan yesterday sent a letter to the home secretary asking for necessary measures to ensure security of the former primer minister during her scheduled visit, a party press release said yesterday.

Khaleda will distribute relief materials among the flood victims at six places in Sirajgang and two places in Tangail, said the press release signed by Mohiuddin Khan Mohon, former assistant press secretary to the former premier.

"She along with her entourage, will leave her cantonment house in a motorcade at 7:00am on that day for Sirajganj," it said.

Meanwhile, adviser Tapan said at a press briefing at the Secretariat yesterday that there is no restriction on political parties to help flood-hit people. As a former prime minister, Khaleda Zia needs highest security while visiting flood affected areas.

"But at this moment we cannot provide such security. She will not be permitted to visit the areas to help the flood victims till her security is ensured," he said.

A decision on providing adequate security to Khaleda Zia during her tour of flood-affected areas would be taken at a high-level meeting, he said.

"Only the home ministry can say when she will able to visit the areas. Now, all BNP leaders and workers except the party chief will get permission to visit the areas and help the flood victims," he added.

The adviser welcomed political parties, donor agencies, NGOs and others for starting their assistance programmes for the flood-hit

"I welcome political parties for coming forward to help flood victims. Many political parties have already started their assistance programmes for the affected people. BNP leader Hannan Shah told me over telephone that he and other party leaders and workers would go to Sirajganj today," he said.

"Leaders of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) went to Sirajganj and Manikganj for distributing relief among the distressed people. Besides, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other agencies have started their assistance programmes in 15-flood affected districts including Faridpur, Jamalpur and Netrakona," he pointed out.

A coordination committee headed by deputy commissioner has been formed in each district for monitoring relief distribution activities.

He said 192 people died due to floods and around 96 lakh people have been affected. The government has opened 1,601 flood shelters for the affected people.

The adviser brushed aside press reports on shortage of relief for victims as unfounded, and said there is shortage of foods and other essential items.