Intl Fed of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies to continue support to BD

Intl Fed of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies to continue support to BD

Dhaka, June 07 - During her inaugural visit to Bangladesh, Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), pledged ongoing humanitarian support amidst global crises.

She emphasized the necessity of sustained assistance, particularly in light of recent challenges such as a severe heatwave and Cyclone Remal.

Kate Forbes met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who expressed gratitude for the Bangladesh Red Crescent’s disaster response efforts.

She reaffirmed the IFRC’s commitment to continuous support, including aid for displaced people from Myanmar's Rakhine State.

In discussions with Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Kate Forbes addressed the situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and the humanitarian efforts in Cox’s Bazar camps. 

She also conferred with Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen, State Minister Dr. Rokeya Sultana, and State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md. Mohibbur Rahman about strategies to combat climate change impacts and enhance disaster and pandemic preparedness.

“My visit to Bangladesh has been profoundly enlightening. The work of the Bangladesh Red Crescent not only strengthens vulnerable communities but also saves lives through disaster risk reduction and community resilience efforts,” Kate Forbes stated.

The IFRC President visited Khulna and Cox’s Bazar camps, witnessing the distribution of household items, clean water, and healthcare to Cyclone Remal-affected communities and camp residents. 

She praised the Red Crescent youth and community volunteers and highlighted the role of the newly inaugurated Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) at the National Headquarters of Bangladesh Red Crescent in improving disaster response capabilities. Kate Forbes also toured the Holy Family Red Crescent Hospital.

Professor Dr. M.U. Kabir Chowdhury, Chairman of BDRCS, said, "We are committed to reinforcing our disaster response mechanisms to protect the most vulnerable in our society. Through IFRC and international support, we can enhance our anticipatory actions, ensuring our preparedness to save lives and restores hope. We are also dedicated to achieving financial sustainability to bolster our humanitarian efforts."

Kate Forbes reiterated the IFRC’s dedication to innovative, sustainable solutions in meetings with various stakeholders and partners. These discussions were supported by IFRC's Asia Pacific Regional Director Alexander Mathew, Bangladesh Head of Delegation Alberto Bocanegra, and Bangladesh Red Crescent’s Vice Chairman Lutfur Rahman Chowdhury Helal, Treasurer Mohammad Abdus Salam, Secretary General Kazi Shofiqul Azam, and Deputy Secretary General Sultan Ahmed.-UNB