Dhaka, Oct 7 (V7N) – Australia has reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya crisis, signing a new multi-year assistance agreement worth A$18 million (about Tk 155 crore) with BRAC to support Rohingya refugees and host communities.
Australian High Commissioner Susan Ryle and BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh signed the agreement today in the presence of Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu.
Under the agreement, assistance will be provided in healthcare, water and sanitation, education, disaster risk management, skills development and protection for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char. The programme will also strengthen the capacity of partner organisations at the local and national levels, expanding the scope of the assistance.
Speaking on the occasion, Asadul Habib Dulu said the Rohingya crisis is not only a concern for Bangladesh but also an international humanitarian crisis. He said Bangladesh has been providing shelter to the Rohingya for a long time as part of its humanitarian responsibility. Australia's continued support will further strengthen Bangladesh's humanitarian efforts in addressing the crisis, he added.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief M Iqbal Hossain was also present at the signing ceremony.
Bangladesh hosts over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, most of whom fled a military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine State in 2017. The international community has repeatedly called for sustained support to address the crisis, with the UN appealing for $710.5 million to meet the most urgent needs of refugees and host communities. Australia has been a longstanding development partner of Bangladesh, providing humanitarian assistance and supporting efforts to find a durable solution to the crisis. The agreement with BRAC, one of the world's largest NGOs, will help deliver essential services to refugees and host communities in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char.
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