By IANS
Dhaka : Bangladesh has called for help from “friendly countries, development partners and others” citing the enormity of the problems triggered by the Nov 15 Cyclone Sidr and its own resource constraints.
Chief Advisor Fakhruddin Ahmed, who performs prime ministerial functions as head of the interim government, made the emotional appeal Tuesday after touring some of the worst affected areas of the country.
He cancelled a visit to Kampala, Uganda, venue of this week’s Commonwealth Summit, saying that with a massive task on hand he could not afford to leave the country for even a short period, the United News of Bangladesh (UNB) reported.
“There is no alternative to concerted and united efforts to effectively combat this national catastrophe,” he said in an address to the nation over state-owned radio and television Tuesday evening.
Foreign governments and international agencies have so far pledged a total of $142 million and more may be in the pipeline as the government comes out with details of the loss to life and property, media reports said Wednesday.
The UN has expressed concern and is working to channel funds and resources for relief and rehabilitation work.
Ahmed also appealed to political parties, irrespective of differences in opinion, to join the relief work.
This is Bangladesh’s third major natural disaster this year. Earlier during the monsoon, there was a storm and mudslides that washed away many riverbanks.
Political parties, their activities banned under a national emergency, had hesitated to join in the relief efforts saying that traditionally, their workers joined in along with their party flags and banners, which the curbs on their political activities did not permit.
The two former prime ministers, Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, have sent out appeals from their respective jails where they are lodged on graft charges, saying that they missed being part of the relief effort.