The Relief and Rehabilitation Department in Bandarban allotted 146 tonnes of rice to the people who have been hit by a food crisis in Thanchi. But the department is struggling to carry those to the affected ones in remote areas.

Against the backdrop, Bangladesh Army has said it will use its helicopters to distribute the food among the affected people today.

Brig Gen Fakrul Ahsan, Bandarban regional commander of army, said they would carry the food to remote Tindu and Remakri unions of Thanchi.

Though 16 tonnes of food were already distributed among the crisis-hit people by the upazila administration, it was difficult for it to carry more to the remote areas.

Remakri Union Chairman U Chaw Prue said, “I received some food from the district relief and rehabilitation department.”

Mong Pru Aung, newly-elected chairman of Tindu union, said they were yet to receive any relief.

Earlier, Amir Hossain, district relief and rehabilitation officer, said, “We have already allotted 146 tonnes of food to the affected people in Thanchi. We will allot more if needed.”

Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Dilip Kumar Banik said another 200 tonnes of food were kept in reserve to tackle the food crisis. He hoped that the situation would improve soon.

Local sources said the most affected areas are remote Jinna Para, Dolian Para, Yon Nong Karbari Para, Boro Madok Vitor Para, Japa Rong Tripura Para, and Basi Aung Karbari Para, among other areas, of Tindu and Remakri unions.

The people in the areas are facing a severe crisis of food as they could not cultivate enough crops last year due to excessive rain. Their crops were also destroyed by rats and insects.