Maulana Matiur Rahman Nizami, Ameer, Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and formerly the Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh issued the following statement on 16 November, 2007 expressing his deep grief at

the extensive loss of life and property causad by hurricane-Katrina-like- powerful `Sidor’ and tidal wave over southern coastal districts of Bangladesh: 

“I express  my deepest grief at the extensive loss of life and property caused by the cyclone `Sidor’ that flowed with strength, power and speed like Katrina-like hurricane and supported by tidal wave over coastal and other southern districts of Bangladesh namely Patuakhali, Barguna, Bhola, Jhalkathi, Perozepur, Bagerhat, Khulna, Barishal, Satkhira, Jesore, Noakhali, Lakmipur, Feni, Madaripur, Faridpur, Gopalgong, Sariyatpur, Chandpur, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar.  

Most of the people in the said districts are directly affected by the cyclone. Growing  crops, green vegetables and seed-beds of thousands and thousands of acres of lands have been damaged. Millions of mud and straw houses have been destroyed. Schools, Colleges, Mosques, Madrasha and such other educational, social and religious institutions have been extensively damaged. Loss of all types of cattles, buffaloes, hens etc pet animals are still greater.

It is not possible on the part of the government only to face this massive situation. So all philanthropic persons and organisations, voluntary agencies irrespective of opinions must stand by the side of distresed people. 

I, therefore, call upon all well to do persons, service organization and agencies and to the countrymen in general to come forward and work for the distressed people side by side by the government communicating with the local administration. I request all to conduct relief activities without using party banner. I call upon the government to allow all quarters to serve the distressed humanity as per their ability. All must come forward unitedly forgetting all sorts of difference to serve the distressed humanity at this moment of national disaster. I call upon all to seek the blessing and help of Allah Subhanahu wa taala to overcome this situation. 

I pray for the salvation of the departed souls who have lost their lives in the midst of this severe cyclone of the century and tidal wave and express my deep condolence with the bereaved families and sympathise with the families whose dear ones have lost their lives or are wounded.

 

Prof. Md. Tasneem Alam

Secretary

Publicity DepartmentJamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh