The Government of China has donated 15 types of advanced water rescue equipment to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) to aid its flood response efforts. The Government of Bangladesh facilitated the handed over ceremony of the equipment, which arrived in eight containers, a press release said.
The donation includes: 500 life vests, 500 rescue helmets, 500 pairs of rescue boots, 500 pairs of hand gloves, 300 marine first aid kits, 250 rescue ropes, 250 sets of rope bags, 100 rubber boats with engines, 100 life rafts, 50 float plates, 50 rescue panels, 25 soft stretchers, 15 water purification equipment, 10 diesel generators, and 6 seawater desalination units.
On Tuesday morning, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen formally handed over the emergency equipment to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) at a ceremony held at the National Headquarters of BDRCS in Dhaka. The event was attended by Chief Guest Faruk E Azam,Bir Protik, Honorable Advisor to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR). Speaking at the ceremony, the honorable advisor stated, “Bangladesh is a disaster-prone country. In every disaster, the government, together with humanitarian organizations, works to protect the lives and property of the people. This support from China will significantly strengthen our rescue operations. As a government psartner, the BDRCS has always been vital to our disaster management efforts.”
The ceremony was presided over by the Honorable Chairman of the BDRCS, Major General (Retd.) Professor Dr. Md. Azizul Islam. In his remarks, he said: “This donation from the Government of China is highly significant for us. With these modern rescue tools, our volunteers will be able to stand by the flood, cyclone, and tidal surge-affected communities with greater efficiency. The BDRCS is always committed to serving humanity, and such support will multiply our capacity many times over.”
The event was graced by the presence of high-level officials from the BDRCS, including Vice Chairman Dr. Tasnim Azim and Treasurer Muhammad Aminul Islam, alongside members of the Society’s Board, the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General, the Head of Delegation of the IFRC, representatives from Partner National Societies, and delegates from the Chinese Embassy. To conclude the program, a portion of the donated equipment was displayed by Red Crescent volunteers and officials.
