China always stands by Bangladesh in times of disaster, humanitarian need: Ambassador Yao

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Wednesday said China has consistently extended support whenever Bangladesh has faced disasters or humanitarian crises.

The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Bangladesh donated USD 100,000 to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) to support its ongoing emergency response for communities affected by the recent floods and landslides across the country.

The humanitarian contribution was officially handed over by the Ambassador at a ceremony held at the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society National Headquarters in Dhaka.

The donation was received on behalf of BDRCS by its Chairman, Barrister Md Abdus Salam.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Yao said the recent heavy rains in Bangladesh have triggered severe flooding, claiming many lives, leaving millions of people stranded, and causing extensive damage to farmland and infrastructure.

On behalf of the Red Cross Society of China, the envoy said they are handing over USD 100,000 in emergency cash assistance to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.  "This contribution reflects the sincere concern and solidarity of the Chinese Government and people with the people of Bangladesh."

The Ambassador said China has been supporting Bangladesh's disaster preparedness capacity through annual training programmes and the provision of flood response equipment.

Last year, China donated emergency response equipment to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, which is now being effectively utilized in the ongoing flood response.

The Ambassador also reaffirmed China's commitment to continuing humanitarian assistance and providing training for BDRCS volunteers whenever needed.

Speaking on the occasion, BDRCS Chairman Barrister Abdus Salam expressed his sincere gratitude to the government and people of the People's Republic of China and the Red Cross Society of China for their continued humanitarian support.

"We sincerely thank the Government and people of China for standing beside the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time.

Our dedicated volunteers are already working in some of the hardest-hit and most remote areas," he said.

With this generous support, he mentioned that they will be able to further expand their emergency response, including the distribution of emergency food assistance, safe drinking water, temporary shelter, hygiene kits, and medical services.

The Chairman said it is in times of crisis like these that true friendship is demonstrated.

"On behalf of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, we once again express our heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of China. We assure you that every dollar of this generous contribution will be utilized efficiently, transparently, and where it is needed most."

Highlighting the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and China, he said, "The late President Ziaur Rahman initiated the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and China, which was further strengthened by former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Following the recent visit of the Prime Minister to China, we are confident that bilateral cooperation in humanitarian, economic, and development sectors will continue to grow stronger."

During the programme, BDRCS presented an overview of its emergency response activities carried out up to 21 July.

The presentation highlighted that BDT 3.39 million had been released for emergency operations.

In addition, BDRCS has distributed more than 2,500 food packages, evacuated and rescued over 22,000 people, provided medical assistance to more than 2,000 people, distributed over 37,000 litres of safe drinking water, mobilized 12 Red Crescent Units, and deployed more than 3,500 volunteers to support the emergency response.

The programme was attended by Professor Dr. Md. Rafiqul Kabir, Vice Chairman of BDRCS; Dr. Abu Md. Mofakhkharul Islam Rana, Treasurer; Dr. Kabir Md. Ashraf Alam, ndc, Secretary General of BDRCS; senior officials of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC); officials from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China; representatives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement; and other guests