Floods in Bangladesh have killed at least 13 people and affected millions of others in the northeast region, exacerbating the already long list of challenges of an interim government trying to return order after mass protests forced long-time leader Sheikh Hasina to flee.
The regions of Feni and Cumilla have taken the majority of the hit. Communication lines have been affected. Rail service has been suspended and roads have been damaged, severely affecting the delivery of emergency supplies in Bangladesh.
People protesting government’s inadequate response to floods
The deadly floods hit just a short time after a massive student-led protest movement toppled Hasina’s administration. Led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the interim government – including representatives of the protesters – is trying to restore order.
People have been protesting the government’s inadequate response to the flooding and demanding that speedboats and rescue boats be sent as soon as possible to the flooded regions of the country. Officials are being urged to act quickly.
The floods have also increased tensions along the Bangladesh-India border. Members of the interim government have accused India – located upstream of Bangladesh – of opening dam gates in Tripura and not providing any alerts beforehand.
Is India responsible for deadly Bangladesh floods?
The Indian government, on the other hand, has rejected claims that it opened dam gates. The country’s foreign ministry said flooding because of heavy precipitation has been a problem on both sides of the border, according to a report in NY Times.
Floods caused by monsoon rains and cyclones are common in Bangladesh. In May 2024, Cyclone Remal caused devastation, killing scores of people. Last year in May, Cyclone Mocha also triggered a lot of damage, leaving thousands homeless including the Rohingya.
