Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed solidarity with Bangladesh following deadly floods and landslides that have caused widespread destruction, saying Pakistan stood with the country's government and people during the crisis. Floods and landslides triggered by days of torrential monsoon rain have killed at least 44 people in southeastern Bangladesh and left over a million stranded. The heavy rain also triggered landslides in Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar earlier this week, killing 16 refugees, including women and children.
PM Shehbaz's Message of Condolence
In a post on X, the prime minister said he was "deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and widespread devastation caused by the severe floods and landslides in Bangladesh." On behalf of the people of Pakistan, he extended "heartfelt condolences" to the bereaved families and said Pakistan expressed its "unwavering solidarity with the Government and people of Bangladesh." PM Shehbaz also prayed for the swift recovery of those injured and for the safety of everyone affected by the disaster.
Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Dar's Response
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said he was "deeply saddened by the devastating floods and landslides in Bangladesh." He extended his condolences to the families of those who had lost their lives and said his "thoughts and prayers" were with those displaced and affected by the disaster. Dar also paid tribute to the "courage and dedication" of rescue personnel, armed forces, medical teams and relief workers involved in the emergency response, and reiterated that Pakistan stood in solidarity with the government and people of Bangladesh.
Extent of the Disaster in Bangladesh
The Bangladesh disaster management ministry said on Saturday that flooding across seven districts — Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj — has disrupted daily life, isolated thousands of families, and stranded 267,918 households. Many residents have been unable to cook for days as flood waters submerged their homes, while others are struggling after thick layers of mud covered kitchens and living spaces.
"There is still water inside our home, and we have no way to cook. The dry food we had has run out, and we spend the nights in the dark with our children because there is no electricity," said Nurul Islam, a resident of a flood-hit area in Chattogram. Thousands of families are relying on dry food — flattened rice, puffed rice, or biscuits that do not require cooking — and emergency relief.
Challenges in Relief Efforts
Washed-out roads and damaged bridges, however, have made it difficult for aid workers to reach some of the hardest-hit communities. Army and navy personnel are ferrying food, drinking water, medicines, and other essential supplies by boat to isolated communities, as authorities step up relief efforts. Bangladesh is one of the world's most disaster-prone countries, with seasonal monsoon rains regularly causing floods, river erosion and landslides. Scientists say climate change is making extreme rainfall more frequent and intense, increasing the scale and severity of such disasters.
