PM now on rickshaw

After her earlier ride on a rickshaw-van in Gopalganj, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today enjoyed a rickshaw ride in Netrakona.

The prime minister, clad in vibrant saree, is seen enjoying the ride on a rickshaw during her visit to the flashflood affected haor areas of Netrakona on May 18, 2017. Photo: PID

The prime minister, clad in vibrant saree, is seen enjoying the ride on a rickshaw during her visit to the flashflood affected haor areas, and the photo has gone viral in the social media platform Facebook.

The 10-minute ride that started from Khaliajuri Health Complex ended at the district circuit house premises.

Read More: Photo of PM Hasina’s rickshaw-van ride with grandchildren goes viral

The rickshaw puller Tipu Sultan, hailing from South Bishuhura area of Netrakona, was rewarded Tk 3,000 by the prime minister. The prime minister also asked about the whereabouts of Tipu and his family, according to Bangla daily Prothom Alo.

The premier reached Netrakona this morning by helicopter to see the situation of the flood-affected haor areas of the district.

Flash floods, triggered by torrential rain in the middle of the last month, inundated vast swathes of the haor areas in northeastern region and damaged Boro paddy, putting the livelihoods of thousands of farmers at risk.

According to the official estimate, a total of 86 unions of 10 upazilas were affected and crops of 28,425 hectares of land were fully damaged, affecting more than 1.65 lakh farmers in Netrakona district.