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China has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh during times of disaster and humanitarian emergencies by donating US$100,000 to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) to strengthen relief operations for communities affected by recent floods and landslides.
The humanitarian assistance was formally handed over by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen at a ceremony held at the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society headquarters in Dhaka on Wednesday. The donation, made on behalf of the Red Cross Society of China, was received by BDRCS Chairman Barrister Md Abdus Salam.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Yao expressed deep sympathy for the people affected by the devastating floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains, which have claimed lives, displaced millions and caused extensive damage to homes, farmland and infrastructure across several parts of Bangladesh.
“The Chinese people deeply sympathise with the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time,” the ambassador said.
“China has always stood by Bangladesh whenever the country has faced disasters or humanitarian crises. This emergency cash assistance reflects the sincere solidarity and friendship of the Chinese government and people with the people of Bangladesh,” he added.
Yao noted that China has consistently supported Bangladesh in strengthening its disaster preparedness and emergency response capacity through annual training programmes, technical cooperation and the supply of disaster management equipment.
He recalled that China donated emergency response equipment to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society last year, much of which is now being utilised in the ongoing flood relief operations.
The ambassador also reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to continuing humanitarian cooperation by providing additional emergency assistance, equipment and specialised training for Red Crescent volunteers whenever required.
Receiving the donation, BDRCS Chairman Barrister Abdus Salam thanked the Chinese government, the Chinese people and the Red Cross Society of China for their continued support.
“We sincerely thank the Government and people of China for standing beside the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time,” he said.
“Our volunteers are working tirelessly in some of the worst-hit and most remote flood-affected areas. This generous contribution will enable us to expand emergency assistance, including food distribution, safe drinking water, temporary shelter, hygiene kits and essential medical services.”
He assured that the donated funds would be utilised efficiently and transparently to meet the urgent needs of affected communities.
Abdus Salam also highlighted the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and China, noting that bilateral ties, initiated under late President Ziaur Rahman and later strengthened during the tenure of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, continue to deepen.
He expressed optimism that cooperation in humanitarian assistance, economic development and other sectors would further expand following the recent visit of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister to China.
During the programme, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society presented an update on its ongoing emergency response.
According to the organisation, it has allocated Tk 3.39 million for relief operations and distributed more than 2,500 food packages to flood victims. Volunteers have also rescued and evacuated over 22,000 people, provided medical services to more than 2,000 individuals and distributed over 37,000 litres of safe drinking water.
The organisation has mobilised 12 Red Crescent units and deployed more than 3,500 volunteers across flood-affected districts to support rescue, relief and recovery efforts.
The ceremony was attended by senior BDRCS officials, representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), officials from the Chinese Embassy and members of the international humanitarian community.
