The first consignment of relief materials, including medicines and water purification tablets, from Bangladesh reached Myanmar on Saturday.
Bangladesh Ambassador Sufiur Rahman handed over the relief goods weighing over one tonne to Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Daw Su Su Hlaing in a simple ceremony in the afternoon, a foreign ministry press release said on Sunday.
Receiving the materials, Deputy Minister Hlaing expressed gratitude to the government of Bangladesh for sending much-needed emergency medicines.
She appeared particularly impressed with the speed of the response from Bangladesh.
Expressing his happiness that Bangladesh could stand by the distressed people in Myanmar at this critical time, Ambassador Rahman mentioned that the relief items reached fast because of the personal attention of the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Other relief goods would be sent soonest possible, he said.
Ambassador Rahman suggested that if Myanmar wished Bangladesh could deliver the next consignments of tents and blankets directly to the worst affected states or regions, wherever feasible and if so decided by Myanmar.
That way, he explained, relief could be delivered directly to the people within a short time and saving some costs of transportation.
Daw Hlaing after discussion with her colleagues replied that should her government felt the need, it would make the request.
At the moment, it seems that Myanmar government prefers to receive relief materials in Yangon and Mandalay only.
Highlighting globally acclaimed preparedness of Bangladesh to handle natural disasters like floods and cyclones, the ambassador reiterated the sentiment expressed by the foreign minister to share Bangladesh’s experiences, should Myanmar requests.
The deputy minister stated that it was a good idea and Myanmar would actively consider the proposal.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
