The government has taken initiative to provide all supports to the families affected in country's worst ever blaze that took place at Nimtoli in the old part of the city.

Food and Disaster Management Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque told BSS yesterday that the government has already allocated Tk 35 lakh as an emergency assistance. Besides, all-out measures would be taken for rehabilitation after determining causalities, he said.

The process of determining losses has already been started, Razaque said, adding: "The process is being done speedily under the leadership of Disaster Management Department involving the district administration, local lawmaker and people's representatives.

A list of the affected people and families has already been made, he said, adding that this list is now being examined with the help of local lawmaker and people's representatives. "After finalising the list, the main task of rehabilitation would be started as per that list," he said.

Razzaque said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given specific guidelines to his ministry and other concerned. "Tasks have already been initiated as per the guidelines," he added.

He said the neighbouring friendly countries have expressed sympathy for the devastating incident. Some countries have given proposals

for rendering their supports, he said, adding that the government is considering over the proposals. After determining the total loss, it would be considered whether international aid is required or not.

But the government has taken quick initiative for rehabilitating the affected people rather than waiting for international aid, he said.

The minister said the government has already given Tk 20,000 for each of the dead in the blaze for their funeral, Tk 20,000 for each of the affected families, Tk 10,000 for each of the injured for cost for other than treatment.

The government will bear all necessary treatment costs for all burn injured people, he said quoting the prime minister.

Director General of Disaster Management Department Jahirul Haque told BSS that the officials of the department are relentlessly working day and night for giving supports to the affected people since the day of incident.

A control room is functioning at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital since the day of incident for ensuring proper treatment of the injured and also for monitoring overall activities.

Besides, arrangements have been made for purchasing medicine which are not available in the hospital, he added.

The department is making arrangement for food and shelters for the affected people and their relatives.