Bangladeshi Finance Minister pledges solidarity with Nepal : Press Release

Finance Minister Abul Maal A. Muhit attended the International Conference for Nepal Reconstruction in Kathmandu today. The Minister arrived in Nepal at the invitation of Finance Minister of Nepal Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat to attend the Conference being organised by the Government of Nepal to seek funds and share recovery plans with the donor community, development partners and friends and neighbours of Nepal following the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal on 25 April 2015. Speaking at the inaugural session Finance Minister conveyed the deep condolences and sympathies of the Government and the people of Bangladesh for the victims of the earthquake and for the huge loss of lives and damage to property. He asserted the solidarity of Bangladesh with Nepal at the time of their need and recalled that Bangladesh was one b the first countries to respond to the disaster in Nepal. He mentioned that not only had the government of Bangladesh responded by sending 10,000 MT rice and other humanitarian assistance, but many organisations had also come forward spontaneously to help the people of Nepal. He also mentioned that Bangladesh was no stranger to disasters and had developed sufficient expertise in the field of disaster management and could share the same with Nepal. He also reiterated that Bangladesh would provide as far as possible, whatever help Nepal needed. Speaking at the pledging session later, Minister Muhit said that Bangladesh could offer more rice to Nepal and could also assist in the rebuilding process by offering management expertise and personnel. He also mentioned that in addition to the assistance extended so far by various organizations, the Bankers’ Association would donate Taka four crore to their relief fund. Yesterday, after arriving in Kathmandu, Finance Minister called on President Ram Baram Yadav, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and Foreign Minister Mahendra Bahadur Pandey. During the discussions, he conveyed the sympathies of the government and the people to them and reiterated that Bangladesh was ready to stand by Nepal at the time of their need. He also asserted that the two countries enjoyed excellent relations and there was immense opportunity to further strengthen and deepen this relationship. Mr. Muhit returned to Dhaka today after attending the Conference.