Road network, power supply improved
The ministries concerned yesterday informed the regular weekly meeting of the Council of Advisers that the cyclone-disrupted road, river and telecommunications networks and power situation have been improved to mitigate sufferings of the affected people.
Chaired by Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed, the meeting further directed the ministries concerned to take measures for quick restoration of communications in the cyclone-battered remote areas.
As the chief adviser wanted to know about the follow-up action, the communications secretary apprised that various roads and highways are being repaired and six ferries out of 18 have been pressed into service. Restoration of services by the rest will take two to three weeks, he said.
Secretary of the telecommunications ministry apprised that satellite telephones have been sent to cyclone-hit vulnerable areas, including Amtola, Dublarchar, Kalapara, Mathbaria and Bhandaria.
The Power Division secretary told the meeting that production of electricity almost came back to normal with an output of 3,219 MW against the demand for 3,350 MW.
Power supply will be fully restored across the country by November 30 while some supply lines will be mended between November 21 and November 26, the secretary apprised the meeting
The secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management apprised the meeting that 15,000 more blankets have been bought for affected people while earlier 10,000 blankets were sent to the cyclone-hit areas
The meeting approved a proposal regarding amendment of rules and regulations on flying Bangladeshi passenger carrying aircraft on the international routes by private companies.
As per the existing rules, the applicant of a flight-operating institution has to register operating aircraft in Bangladesh. But the amended rules state that "in special cases like carrying hajj pilgrims and manpower or any emergency passenger flight, Bangladeshi license-holder airlines can operate flight by aircraft registered in any foreign country".
The meeting also approved a proposal on fixing target of internal procurement of Aman rice for the fiscal 2007-08. Beginning from November 20, the procurement drive will continue up to February 28.
The amount of procurement of paddy has been fixed at 75,000 tonnes while rice at 1.5 lakh tonnes. The price of Aman paddy has been fixed at Tk 12 per kilogram and rice at Tk 20 per kilogram.
The council also approved a proposal amending a rule of the Rules of Business to transfer the documents of proceedings, summaries and notifications of the Cabinet Division of over 25 years old to the National Archives. People will have access to those documents at the National Archives.
Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim briefed newsmen about the outcome of the meeting.
Members of the Council of Advisers attended the meeting held at the CA's office. Cabinet secretary and other secretaries concerned were also present.
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