RIYADH, 22 November 2007 — The Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh has appealed to its nationals and others to support efforts to assist the cyclone victims. “We are thankful to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for his generosity toward the Muslims in Bangladesh,” Bangladesh Ambassador Ikramul Haque told Arab News. The Kingdom has given $100 million in aid to Dhaka for the victims. Ikram said the government would welcome voluntary contributions from organizations and individuals. “The government is yet to make an assessment of the magnitude of damages and type of assistance needed for the affected people,” the envoy said.
He said Sidr, one of the most devastating cyclones to hit the country since 1876, caused unprecedented damages. Over 3,500 people have been confirmed dead. Ikram said the extent of losses would have been greater had the government not responded swiftly to the disaster.
Bangladesh has undertaken massive relief efforts and has planned short and long-term programs for the rehabilitation of cyclone victims, he said.
Donations may be sent through banks to the “Chief Adviser’s Relief and Welfare Fund, Current Account No.33004093, Sonali Bank, Prime Minister’s Office Branch, Tejgaon, Dhaka.” Cash donations may be sent through bank draft/telegraphic transfer/electronic fund and transfer/express remittance in favor of the Chief Adviser’s Relief and Welfare Fund, directed to the Bangladesh missions in Riyadh or Jeddah. In case of a bank draft, it may be handed over to the Embassy of Bangladesh in Riyadh or the Consulate General of Bangladesh in Jeddah for dispatch to the concerned authority.
