New Delhi: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Ms Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said that Dhaka should extend all possible practical cooperation to Nepal in its difficult hours and if requested by Kathmandu, the Saidpur Airport in northern Bangladesh can be used as a humanitarian logistics point for relief operations and emergency assistance.
In the wake of such calamities, she called for stronger regional cooperation in early warning systems, disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, river management, data sharing and humanitarian response.
The Bangladesh government, headed by Mr Tarique Rahman on Wednesday expressed solidarity with Nepal and said it is ready to assist the Himalayan in any possible way in relief and rescue efforts. Nepal thanked Dhaka for the offer.
Ms Hasina, who has been living in India since the last two years after escaping a political unrest and threat to her life following a massive protest against her regime, said the news of the devastating flash floods in Nepal has filled her with deep sorrow.
"Nepal is a close friend of Bangladesh. Our two countries are bound by history, geography, culture, regional cooperation and the shared hopes of our peoples. During my visit to Kathmandu in 2018 for the Fourth BIMSTEC Summit, I witnessed once again the warmth, dignity and resilience of the Nepali people. I remember that visit with deep respect and affection. In moments of tragedy, neighbours must stand beside one another. Bangladesh understands the pain of floods, river erosion, earthquakes and climate-related disasters, and has always stood beside Nepal and other friendly countries during natural calamities. At this difficult hour, Bangladesh should extend all possible practical cooperation to Nepal. If requested by the Government of Nepal, Saidpur Airport in northern Bangladesh may also be used as a humanitarian logistics point for relief operations and emergency assistance," Ms Hasina said in a statement.
She added that this disaster is also a reminder that South Asia faces common threats from climate change, fragile mountain ecosystems, sudden floods, landslides and extreme weather. "These challenges do not respect borders. They require stronger regional cooperation in early warning systems, disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, river management, data sharing and humanitarian response…The people of Bangladesh stand in full solidarity with the people of Nepal in this hour of grief. May Nepal find strength, unity and courage to overcome this tragedy and rebuild the lives of those affected," Ms Hasina said.