Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Concern Worldwide the first INGO to respond to Flood victims in Faridpur, Bangladesh

Press Release

The Law and Information Advisor, Barrister Mainul Hosein, inaugurated on Tuesday the distribution of emergency relief food to 500 flood affected families in Faridpur at Sadar Upazilla.

The effort which was part of a larger operation bringing relief to 2000 families in the district, was organised by Concern Worldwide, an international NGO and FDA (Faridpur Development Agency) to assist families who have been forced to abandon their homes in the face of rising flood waters.

The Advisor for Law and Information, Barrister Mainul Hosein thanked Concern for their assistance and called upon all members of the community including those with means, political leaders and NGOs to extend their support to all flood affected people.

“We are Bangladeshi people and we are faced with floods almost every year” he explained “Be courageous – government and NGOs are with you, we will continue with our support until or unless the situation improves”

Mr. Kieron Crawley, Country Director for Concern, stated that as a humanitarian agency, Concern had a duty to work closely with government and local partners to bring much needed aid to those severely affected by the current disaster. He also welcomed the Chief Advisors initiative to invite NGOs and development partners to help in the nationwide flood relief exercise.

Left to Right , Kushum Dewan (SP Police), Mr. Iahiya Bhuya (DC), Advisor Mainul Hosein, Kieron Crawley Country Director Concern Worldwide, Idris Khan Regional Manager Concern Worldwide


Supporters of Concern in Ireland, UK and around the world have been following the story of the floods in Bangladesh through the organisations website where a funding appeal has been launched. “The people of Ireland, Britain and US are concerned about the plight of Bangladeshis in the face of these ravaging floods” Country Director Kieron Crawley stated, “Already many individuals and groups have come forward asking how they can help...”

The Relief package which consisted of 5kgs of flattened rice, 1kg molasses, 5 packets of soya protein biscuits was distributed amongst the most severely affected families - many of which were rescued from Char land using search and rescue boats. Some 200 families have taken refuge in flood shelters constructed as part of the organisations Disaster Preparedness Project.

Concern has already distributed relief to 9000 families in Sirajganj and Manikganj districts over the last few days in a package worth over 30 lakh taka.

Also present at the inauguration were Mr. Azharul Islam (ED Faridpur Development Agency), Kushum Dewan (SP Police), Mr. Yahiya Bhuiya (DC), Idris Ali Khan Regional Manager Concern Worldwide, Major Anis.

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