Pranab distributes relief goods in Bagerhat

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BAGERHAT, Dec 1 (UNB): As part of his daylong tour to Bangladesh, Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee distributed relief goods among cyclone-hit people at Rayenda in Sharankhola upazila Saturday.
While discussing the problems, local people, mostly rendered pauper by the devastating cyclone, requested the Indian foreign minister to take essential steps that could be brought here from his country.
A helicopter of Bangladesh Air Force carrying Mukherjee from the capital, Dhaka, landed at Rayenda helipad at about 3:40pm. He went to an army camp at Rayenda school, where local army commander Lieutenant Colonel Sayeed Siddiqui briefed him about the losses caused by cyclone Sidr in the district.
The Indian leader visited affected areas in Rayenda and distributed relief goods from his country among the victims. He also inquired about the losses caused by the cyclone.
Mukherjee said: "I came here to convey the sympathy to cyclone-affected people in Bangladesh on behalf of my government."
He expressed his hope that victims would be able to overcome the losses.
Mukherjee also visited an army-run water plant at Rayenda.
He left here for capital by helicopter at about 4:08pm, concluding his relief mission.
Communications Adviser Major General (retd) MA Matin, Foreign Secretary Mohammad Towhid Hossain, Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh Pinak Ranjan Chakraborty and Jessore GOC Major General Rafiqul Islam were among others present during the Indian minister's visit.