The visiting President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Mrs. Kate Forbes met with Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud at the latter’s office here today. She commended the government’s response in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal recently and also in dealing with the protracted Rohingya humanitarian situation.
The Bangladesh Foreign Minister welcomed the IFRC President on her maiden visit to Bangladesh, and also within a short period of assuming office. He recalled the work of ICRC and IFRC in support of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) over the years, especially for disaster response and maternal health service delivery.
The IFRC President shared her experience of visiting Satkhira and Cox’s Bazar, and encouraged Bangladesh to share some of its innovative humanitarian assistance models with other countries. Minister Mahmud suggested operating additional hospitals in certain major cities in the country under the aegis of the national Red Crescent Society.
They also discussed the evolving situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, and the prevailing scenario for humanitarian support by interested international partners. The Bangladesh Minister urged BDRCS to consider expanding its activities in support of the Rohingya sheltered in Bhashan Char.
The IFRC President expressed interest in working with Bangladesh in advancing the Federation’s work on climate change and migration. Minister Mahmud assured of Bangladesh’s constructive engagement at the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in October 2024.
Mrs. Forbes also appreciated the work of the nominated Bangladesh member in the IFRC Governing Board that she presides over.
Dr. M. U. Kabir Chowhdury, Chairman, BDRCS and Mr. Alberto Bocanegra, IFRC Representative in Bangladesh were also present.