Flood victims to get aid from China
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Wednesday reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh during disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
China also donated $100,000 in emergency assistance to support relief operations for people affected by recent floods and landslides in Chattogram and Sylhet.
The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka handed over the contribution to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society at a ceremony at the organisation’s national headquarters.
The Red Cross Society of China provided the donation, which BDRCS Chairman Barrister Md Abdus Salam received.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Yao said heavy rainfall had caused severe flooding across Bangladesh, killing people, stranding millions and damaging farmland and infrastructure.
“The Chinese people deeply sympathise with the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time,” he said.
Yao said the emergency assistance reflected the concern and solidarity of the Chinese government and people.
“China always stands by Bangladesh in times of disaster and humanitarian need,” he said.
He added that the two countries were working together to support affected communities, reflecting the strength of their bilateral friendship and cooperation.
The ambassador said China regularly supports Bangladesh’s disaster preparedness through training programmes and flood-response equipment.
He noted that the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society was using emergency equipment donated by China last year in its current flood response.
Yao said Beijing was also ready to send disaster-management experts to Bangladesh if necessary.
He stressed the need for closer cooperation in disaster management, saying such cooperation directly contributed to saving lives.
The ambassador pledged continued humanitarian support and training for BDRCS volunteers for as long as Bangladesh required assistance.
BDRCS Chairman Abdus Salam thanked China and described it as a trusted friend of Bangladesh.
“We sincerely thank the government and people of China for standing beside the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time,” he said.
“Our dedicated volunteers are already working in some of the hardest-hit and most remote areas.”
Salam said the donation would help the Red Crescent expand emergency operations, including the distribution of food, safe drinking water, temporary shelter, hygiene kits and medical services.
“It is in times of crisis like these that true friendship is demonstrated,” he said.
He assured the Chinese representatives that the organisation would use every dollar efficiently, transparently and in areas where people needed assistance most.
Salam also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Bangladesh and China and expressed confidence that cooperation in humanitarian, economic and development sectors would continue to grow.
During the programme, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society presented an overview of its emergency response activities up to July 21.
The organisation said it had released Tk 3.39 million for relief operations.
It had also distributed more than 2,500 food packages, rescued and evacuated over 22,000 people, provided medical services to more than 2,000 people and supplied over 37,000 litres of safe drinking water.
The BDRCS mobilised 12 Red Crescent units and deployed more than 3,500 volunteers to assist flood-affected communities.
BDRCS Vice Chairman Professor Dr Md Rafiqul Kabir, Treasurer Dr Abu Md Mofakhkharul Islam Rana, Secretary General Dr Kabir Md Ashraf Alam, senior officials of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Chinese Embassy representatives and other invited guests attended the ceremony.
