State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday encouraged the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to explore ‘suitable humanitarian engagement modalities’ in Bhasan Char to further enhance assistance efforts.

The State Minister also thanked IFRC and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) for their continued contributions to the Rohingya humanitarian response, including healthcare delivery and the provision of safe drinking water in Cox’s Bazar.

She received Head of Delegation of the IFRC Alberto Bocanegra at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed areas of cooperation.

Bocanegra reaffirmed IFRC’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the government of Bangladesh to strengthen effective humanitarian action, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He expressed his interest in working with the government of Bangladesh to support ongoing efforts to contain and respond to the measles outbreak.

He also conveyed IFRC’s readiness to assist the Government in scaling up capacity-building initiatives, enhancing disaster response mechanisms and advancing community resilience programmes in Bangladesh.

The State Minister expressed appreciation for the long-standing partnership between Bangladesh and the IFRC, recalling its invaluable humanitarian support since the Liberation War of 1971.

She commended IFRC’s prompt response to natural catastrophes, the COVID-19 pandemic and its initiatives in community-based disaster management. She emphasized the importance of harnessing youth volunteerism in disaster preparedness, particularly in early cyclone warning systems and community evacuation efforts.

She encouraged IFRC to explore suitable humanitarian engagement modalities in Bhasan Char to further enhance assistance efforts.