Bangladesh has been selected for a two-year collaborative project aimed at strengthening preparedness and response to COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). As part of the Stockpile Project, the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) nominates the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) as the project implementing agency for a two-year collaborative project worth USD 10 million aimed at strengthening preparedness and response to COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases in five partner countries, namely Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the Philippines. BNP’s 24-hour blockade underway with arson attacks In selecting these five countries, the IFRC has prioritized countries at risk of disasters caused by natural hazards, the effects of which have been made worse by climate change, resulting in high risk of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The USD 10 million is part of the Government of Japan's contribution to the Stockpile Project for COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases in Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) countries. Utilising this fund, the IFRC and national societies will implement the Stockpile Project in close connection with the public authorities through a structured set of activities. Dhaka's air 6th worst in the world this morning On November 28, an agreement signing ceremony was held at Malaysian Red Crescent National Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. During the signing of the agreement by ASEF and IFRC, the Chairperson of Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Di Raja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Binti Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Tunku Temenggong Kedah made a welcome address. Among others, the ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Takahashi Katsuhiko; ASEF Executive Director, Ambassador Toru MORIKAW; and Regional Director of IFRC, Alexander Matheou, spoke at the event. During the signing of the agreement by ASEF and IFRC, the Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia  Mohammad Khorshed Alam Khastagir and Counsellor (Political) Pranab Kumar Bhattacharjee were also present. 24-hour blockade: 428 RAB patrol teams deployed The Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia expressed satisfaction on the signing of this important agreement and remarked that this project would play an effective role in improving the healthcare landscape, response mechanisms, and access to health services in Bangladesh.

Australia has announced an additional fund of A$5 million or Tk 330 million t to support Bangladesh’s COVID-19 preparedness and response, the country’s envoy said on Saturday.  Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne has made the announcement, according to Australian High Commission in Dhaka Jeremy Bruer.  This fund will be given through the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to procure and distribute essential supplies, including oxygen and related equipment, to help communities withstand the health and social impact of the pandemic, said the high commissioner. The money is in addition to the A$5.7 million Australia provided last year to Bangladesh for personal protective equipment, COVID-19 awareness campaigns, and emergency food and income support. Australia said it is also working to increase the global supply of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, including through an A$80 million commitment to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment, of which Bangladesh is a beneficiary. High Commissioner Jeremy Bruer said, "As one of Bangladesh's oldest friends, Australia is committed to supporting Bangladesh in its fight against COVID-19, to help ensure our shared region remains safe, stable, prosperous and resilient.  Australia and our partners stand with Bangladesh in responding to the pandemic.”

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has said a humanitarian calamity is engulfing South Asia as Covid-19 skyrockets across several countries setting new records, with over 200,000 people getting infected everyday.    South Asia is fast becoming the new global epicentre of the Covid-19 pandemic, said IFRC on Friday.    This deadlier and more infectious new wave is overwhelming hospitals and social systems, heaping more distress on hundreds of millions of people already experiencing poverty and hardship.   Also read: Covid-19 turns India into vaccine importer from exporter   On April 15, India recorded more than 200,700 cases in just one day, more than double the country’s previous peak and the highest of any country in the world right now.    Bangladesh is recording almost 50 percent more deaths a day than its previous peak in June 2020.    Pakistan’s daily cases are spiking, with the highest ever Covid-19 daily death rate.   Udaya Regmi, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Head of Delegation, South Asia, said the speed with which the virus is spreading in the region is truly frightening.    Over 1.5 million people are sick with Covid-19 in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan combined and that is 50 times how many were sick one month ago, said Regmi.   “Thousands of lives are being lost, this is a tragic warning to all countries, that every effort must be maintained and we cannot afford to relax in containing this deadly Coronavirus,” said IFRC South Asia head.   Also read: Global Covid-19 cases approach 139 million   “The impact on frontline workers is catastrophic. Thousands of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers have stepped up efforts to help the elderly and those most at risk with access to lifesaving medical care, testing and vaccinations. Millions already face extreme poverty and we’re helping with food, water and other relief.”    There is growing evidence from health authorities that more virulent Covid-19 variants are fuelling this current surge in South Asia, said the IFRC.     Dr Abhishek Rimal, IFRC’s Asia Pacific Coordinator for Emergency Health, said several countries in South Asia have already reported the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants of concern from the UK and South Africa, which are more infectious and are increasing hospitalisation, putting a massive burden on the health system.    Also read: South Asia: Sharp rise in child, maternal deaths due to COVID-19-induced disruptions    “As we enter the second year dealing with the pandemic, it’s understandable that many people are sick of the restrictions and want to resume normal life. We must redouble our efforts to contain this disease as too many lives are at stake."    “We must place every effort to resource health workers and hospitals so people who are suffering receive the healthcare they need. This is a wakeup call to the world. Vaccines must be available to everyone, everywhere, rich and poor to overcome this terrible pandemic.” 

International support is needed to maintain humanitarian services for more than 13,000 people who have been relocated to Bhasan Char island from Cox’s Bazar, the IFRC said Monday. This appeal follows an independent visit by representatives from the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to the river island. It requested the Government of Bangladesh, humanitarian agencies and international donors to do everything possible to keep people displaced from Rakhine State safe and able to live with dignity, wherever they are located, including on Bhasan Char.  The team found that the Government of Bangladesh has made progress on Bhasan Char in terms of the development of infrastructure.  However, it also found urgent investment is needed to ensure that women and children are adequately protected, and that food security, health care and schooling is assured both in the short and longer-term.  While evacuation centres are in place to keep people safe from disasters, there remain concerns that the island could be exposed during the upcoming cyclone season and that systems are further strengthened to manage the potential isolation caused by storms.  Feroz Salah Uddin, Secretary General, Bangladesh Red Crescent, said, “After nearly four years of living in precarious camps in cramped conditions, many people are relocating to the island of Bhasan Char and we are providing a range of relief services at this critical time.  Also read: 6 lakh people in Rohingya camps “exposed” to cyclone risks: IFRC    “Bangladesh Red Crescent is working with authorities to deliver food packages, hygiene items, sanitation and health services to thousands of people on the island for the coming months.”  Sanjeev Kafley, Bangladesh Head of Delegation, IFRC, said with the cyclone season fast approaching, people on Bhasan Char could become stranded with a shortage of food when major storms strike, leaving the sea passage impassable, in turn denying the delivery of relief, medicines and other vital supplies.  “Everyone relocating must have access to all of the essentials for a healthy life, including nutritious food, hygiene items such as soap, along with health and medical care. Women and children must be afforded protection from violence and other risks.  Also read: 1,800 more Rohingyas moved to Bhasan Char “People who are now living on Bhasan Char have been through so many hardships and they deserve opportunities for a fulfilling life, with opportunities to start new livelihoods and access to education and other activities,” Kafley said.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on Monday handed over four new ambulances and a COVID-19 sample collection van to Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) to help them transfer patients to hospitals and support COVID-19 sample collection and testing.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday called upon all to engage youths in climate adaptation issues globally saying they are the future.

Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have recognised the efforts of their volunteers and staff in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.   The organisations say they are "immensely proud" to recognise the hard work of their volunteers and staff who are doing everything they can to support communities affected by the COVID-19.   The appreciation came ahead of the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day which falls on May 8.    “Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, a part of the international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is everywhere for everyone, every day,” said Md Feroz Salah Uddin, Secretary General of BDRCS.   This year is even more challenging.   By Thursday, Bangladesh confirmed 12,425 coronavirus cases and 199 deaths.   BDRCS said Red Crescent volunteers are at work, despite huge risk to themselves, helping vulnerable individuals and communities to protect themselves from COVID-19, and the BDRCS continues to provide many other services that people need to keep themselves safe and healthy.   They said each and every volunteer in Bangladesh deserves applause, and encouraged everyone to #KeepClapping on May 8.   Bangladesh Red Crescent volunteers have been active in communities since the novel coronavirus was first detected in the country. The COVID-19 response activities have been carried out alongside other humanitarian works that Bangladesh Red Crescent is well known for.    With support from the ICRC and IFRC, Red Cross Red Crescent Partner National Societies and others, every year, BDRCS reaches almost two million people with a diverse range of services tailored to local needs.   Azmat Ulla, the Head of IFRC Bangladesh Country Office, said: “When we practise physical distancing to break the transmission, it’s extremely important to have social solidarity and support.”    He said it is difficult time for everyone but he sees “so much hope in the bravery and dedication of Bangladesh Red Crescent Youth volunteers, the community volunteers, cyclone preparedness volunteers countrywide”.   “This solidarity will help us not only survive this pandemic, but also help it to thrive afterwards,” he said.   Pierre Dorbes, the Head of Delegation for ICRC in Bangladesh, said: “Beyond the public health crisis, the COVID-19 epidemic is impacting the economic security of millions of Bangladeshi people while for displaced people from [Myanmar’s] Rakhine, this is another factor of vulnerability.    “The ICRC together with other partners of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement stands side by side with all those vulnerable people in such an unprecedented crisis.”