BSS:

Japanese government has provided the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with $3.2million as assistance for a comprehensive plan to assist the displaced and affected population in Noakhali, Laxmipur and Feni, three of the most flood-affected districts of the country.

An exchange of notes was signed here on Monday by SAIDA Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh and Lance Bonneau, Chief of Mission of the IOM Bangladesh, said a press release issued by Embassy of Japan here.

The project will reach approximately 500,000 displaced people in total, implementing the repair and renovation of evacuation shelters, creation of livelihood opportunities and strengthening community resilience and capacity to deal with disasters and displacement.

Ambassador SAIDA expressed his hope that the support from Japan would improve the living conditions of displaced people in Bangladesh.

“I’m hopeful for this comprehensive plan to improve the living conditions for displaced people who were affected by the Cyclone Remal and series of floods”.

The ambassador said that the plan is fundamental to protect populations, enhance service delivery for populations in temporary displacement and promote durable solutions for populations in protracted displacement.

In this connection, he said Japan will continue to work towards sustainable solutions and will cooperate with international organizations such as IOM.

Chief of Mission of IOM Bangladesh Lance Bonneau said IOM remains committed to supporting the most affected communities in Noakhali, Laxmipur, and Feni by structurally reinforcing evacuation shelters, enhancing capacity of shelter committee members to coordinate evacuation responses, restoring livelihoods and enhancing community resilience.

“Through this partnership, we aim to ensure that the affected population including the displaced receives the necessary assistance to rebuild their lives,” he added.

Since last September, Japan provided assistance worth USD one million to the flood-affected areas through UNHCR and UNICEF and provided emergency humanitarian aid worth USD two million to the Japan Platform, a platform of Japanese NGOs, to launch a program to provide emergency relief in eastern Bangladesh.

Furthermore, the Japanese Commerce & Industry Association in Dhaka and the Japanese Association in Dhaka donated a total of Taka 200,000 to Bangladesh Red Crescent Society to support the individuals and families affected by the floods.