Tk 5.0b commitments for relief, rehab received so far
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
The country has so far received commitments of Tk 5.0 billion (500 crore) from foreign countries for flood relief and rehabilitation, reports BSS.
Of the total commitments, a substantial quantity of relief goods has already reached the country, said a Foreign Ministry source.
Saudi Arabia remains on the top of the list of donors by providing relief goods worth $50 million, the source said, adding Bangladesh did not make any formal appeal for international help. The help came through bilateral contacts and coordination.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has initiated steps for import of food grains from international markets so that the country does not face any food shortage due to the flood.
Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury discussed the matter with friendly countries, and had talks with the heads of the international agencies based in Bangladesh, sources also said.
Foreign ministers of some countries, including Canada and Iran, had talks over tele phone with Chowdhury, expressing their sympathy for the flood victims with assurance of support for ongoing relief and rehabilitation work.
Relief goods received from different countries and agencies included - India $10 million, European Commission and International Red Cross euro 2.5 million, UK through DFID $2.5 million, China $1.2 million, Kuwait $1.0 million, Korea $2,00,000, the US through different agencies $1,35,000, Turkey $1,00,000, Canada through its agencies 2,50,000 Canadian dollars, Australia 1.6 million Australian dollars, Sri Lanka $25,000, the Netherlands Tk 2.0 million and Singapore $20,000.
Of the total commitments, a substantial quantity of relief goods has already reached the country, said a Foreign Ministry source.
Saudi Arabia remains on the top of the list of donors by providing relief goods worth $50 million, the source said, adding Bangladesh did not make any formal appeal for international help. The help came through bilateral contacts and coordination.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has initiated steps for import of food grains from international markets so that the country does not face any food shortage due to the flood.
Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury discussed the matter with friendly countries, and had talks with the heads of the international agencies based in Bangladesh, sources also said.
Foreign ministers of some countries, including Canada and Iran, had talks over tele phone with Chowdhury, expressing their sympathy for the flood victims with assurance of support for ongoing relief and rehabilitation work.
Relief goods received from different countries and agencies included - India $10 million, European Commission and International Red Cross euro 2.5 million, UK through DFID $2.5 million, China $1.2 million, Kuwait $1.0 million, Korea $2,00,000, the US through different agencies $1,35,000, Turkey $1,00,000, Canada through its agencies 2,50,000 Canadian dollars, Australia 1.6 million Australian dollars, Sri Lanka $25,000, the Netherlands Tk 2.0 million and Singapore $20,000.