Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has said Bangladesh has offered Nepal all possible assistance to deal with the devastating flash floods and landslides, while remaining prepared to support any affected Bangladeshi nationals.
“We offered them all possible assistance,” Khalilur told journalists at the foreign ministry on Thursday afternoon after speaking by phone with his Nepalese counterpart Shisir Khanal earlier in the day.
He said Nepalese authorities were still assessing the extent of the damage and determining the type of assistance required.
“The Nepalese foreign minister told me that they are still assessing the extent of the damage and what kind of assistance they require. He said they would inform us by this evening or tomorrow,” Khalilur said.
The foreign minister said Bangladesh was prepared to respond once Nepal communicates its specific requirements.
“We are prepared,” he said.
During the telephone conversation, Khalilur conveyed Bangladesh’s sympathy and condolences over the disaster on behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the people of Bangladesh.
Describing the floods and landslides as a “terrible tragedy”, he said Bangladesh’s thoughts and prayers were with the families who had lost their loved ones.
Khalilur also conveyed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s personal condolence message to Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah and expressed Dhaka’s full solidarity with the government and people of Nepal.
Speaking to journalists, the foreign minister said Bangladesh had so far received no information that any Bangladeshi national had been affected by the disaster.
“So far, we have not received the name of any Bangladeshi,” he said.
He said several foreign tourists were travelling towards the Mansarovar area when the disaster struck.
Khalilur said Dhaka had requested Nepalese authorities to immediately inform Bangladesh if any Bangladeshi national was found among those affected.
“If any Bangladeshi is found, alive or deceased, we will extend our full cooperation and take the necessary measures regarding them,” he said.
He said Bangladesh was also prepared to bring affected nationals home depending on the circumstances, adding that necessary flight arrangements were ready.
Nepal’s foreign minister assured Khalilur of his government’s cooperation if any Bangladeshi national was found affected by the disaster.
Earlier, the foreign ministry said Khanal thanked Bangladesh for its solidarity and informed Khalilur that Nepal would communicate its specific requirements after completing an assessment of the situation.
