Staff Reporter :
The United Kingdom has announced a significant humanitarian aid package worth £500,000 (BDT 7.5 crores) to assist communities affected by Cyclone Remal in the southwestern region of Bangladesh.
This aid comes in response to the cyclone’s devastating impact, which has affected 4.6 million people and displaced 800,000 residents in coastal areas.
According to a press release issued on Thursday, the UK’s humanitarian assistance will provide essential support, including food, clean water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies, to more than 43,000 people across the districts of Bagerhat, Satkhira, Khulna, Bhola, Pirojpur, and Patuakhali.
The aid will prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable, particularly women, children, and those displaced from their homes.
The UK contribution will be managed by Start Fund Bangladesh and implemented by Christian Aid, Action Aid, Jago Nari, and Coast Foundation, complementing the ongoing response efforts by the Government of Bangladesh.
The UK is a major supporter of global humanitarian funds and disaster risk financing mechanisms, including UNICEF’s Today and Tomorrow Initiative (TTI) and the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). The UK is a significant contributor to CERF, which is providing a total of £5.8 million (BDT 87.6 crores) to aid those affected by Cyclone Remal.
In addition to financial aid, UK funding facilitated the temporary relocation of over 30,000 people from coastal areas to secure shelters, ensuring their safety. Food, hygiene kits, and medical supplies were prepared ahead of their arrival at these shelters.
British Chargé d’affaires to Bangladesh, Matt Cannell, expressed solidarity with the affected communities. “The UK stands with all those affected by Cyclone Remal, which has displaced 800,000 people in southwestern Bangladesh.”
Matt further said, “I am pleased to announce that the UK has provided humanitarian assistance to support those affected. This includes £500,000 (BDT 7.5 crores) through Start Fund Bangladesh, as well as supporting preparedness efforts through the UN and NGO partners.”