Army carries rice to remote Thanchi areas

The Bangladesh Army yesterday carried more than 3 tonnes of rice in helicopters deep inside Thanchi upazila, which will be distributed today among affected people by local representatives and government officials.  

A little over seven tonnes of rice was allocated for people suffering food crisis in remote Zinna Para, Dolian Para and Madok of the upazila. But due to rough weather and technical glitch, army personnel could not carry all of it, said Thanchi Upazilla Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Anowar Hossain.

The remaining rice will be carried by boat and so it will take time, the UNO said.

Brig Gen Fakrul Ahsan, Bandarban regional commander of army, said six helicopters had been used to carry the food to the remotest areas of Tindu and Remakri unions of Thanchi.

The relief and rehabilitation department in Bandarban allotted 146 tonnes of rice for the people in Thanchi. But it was struggling to carry relief material to the affected people in remote areas.

Meanwhile, 16 tonnes of rice have already been distributed by the district administration. 

Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Dilip Kumar Banik said, “The situation has improved as we already sent food to the affected areas”.

The most affected areas include Jinna Para, Dolian Para, Yon Nong Karbari Para, Boro Madok Vitor Para, Japa Rong Tripura Para and Basi Aung Karbari Para of Tindu and Remakri unions, according to local people.

People in Thanchi have been facing severe shortage of food as they could not cultivate enough crops for themselves last year due to excessive rain. Adding to their misery, a large portion of the crops they grew was destroyed by rats and insects.