Bangladesh signs UK, ICRC disaster resilience cooperation agreements.
Bangladesh today signed two separate memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the United Kingdom (UK) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to strengthen disaster preparedness, humanitarian response and institutional resilience.
The agreements were signed at the Secretariat under the directive of the Prime Minister's Office to enhance Bangladesh's disaster resilience, reinforce humanitarian preparedness and expand international cooperation.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib and Prime Minister's Adviser on Disaster Management and Relief Humaiun Kobir was present at the
signing ceremony.
Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Md Saidur Rahman Khan signed the agreements on behalf of Bangladesh, while British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke signed for the UK government and ICRC Vice President Julio E. Rank Wright signed on behalf of the humanitarian organisation.
The first MoU, signed between the governments of Bangladesh and the United Kingdom, establishes an institutional framework for cooperation in disaster
risk management and humanitarian assistance.
The agreement provides for cooperation in knowledge and experience sharing, joint training, technical assistance, coordination of emergency response
operations, search and rescue, emergency medical support, humanitarian relief supply management, flood forecasting, needs assessment and disaster
preparedness.
It will also facilitate international humanitarian assistance during emergencies and strengthen cooperation between the relevant institutions of
the two countries.
The second agreement, signed between the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is a
Strategic Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (SPMoU).
Under the agreement, the two sides will work together to strengthen Bangladesh's national capacity and resilience in responding to disasters,
climate change and humanitarian crises, while promoting sustainable solutions for forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMNs) and host communities.
The partnership also includes cooperation in enhancing institutional capacity, supporting evidence-based policymaking, promoting research and
innovation, facilitating knowledge exchange, and mobilising strategic partnerships and resources in line with Bangladesh's national priorities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib said the two agreements would further strengthen Bangladesh's disaster
preparedness through international cooperation, technological innovation and enhanced institutional capacity.
"These partnerships will not only reinforce Bangladesh's international leadership in disaster risk reduction and humanitarian assistance but also
play a significant role in achieving long-term resilience," he said
