Bangladesh has successfully completed its humanitarian and rescue operations in Myanmar following the devastating earthquake that struck the country on March 28.

A team comprising Army rescue personnel, doctors, nurses, and fire service officials departed Myanmar on Sunday aboard the Bangladesh Navy Ship BNS Somudra Avijan. They are scheduled to arrive in Chattogram on Tuesday, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In response to a formal request from the Myanmar government, Bangladesh provided 151.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid. The assistance included food, medicine, tents, drinking water, blankets, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential supplies.

“As a responsible neighbour and a champion in disaster management, Bangladesh stood beside the earthquake-affected people of Myanmar and responded immediately with humanitarian assistance,” the foreign ministry stated.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus sent a letter of condolence to his Myanmar counterpart and extended an offer of humanitarian support on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh.

The mission was jointly coordinated by the Office of the Chief Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Armed Forces Division, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, and the Bangladesh Embassy in Myanmar.

The relief operation was carried out in three phases from March 30 to April 12. In the first phase, two Bangladeshi aircraft — a C-130J and a CASA C-295 — transported 16.5 tonnes of aid to Yangon on March 30.

In the second phase on April 1, three aircraft (two C-130Js and one CASA C-295) delivered 15 tonnes of relief goods and deployed a 55-member rescue and medical team to Nay Pyi Taw.

The final phase was executed via BNS Somudra Avijan, which sailed from Chattogram on April 8 with over 120 tonnes of aid. The vessel docked in Yangon on April 11 to hand over the supplies.

The Bangladesh Ambassador to Myanmar formally handed over the aid in all three phases. Additionally, the Bangladesh Embassy mobilized members of the expatriate Bangladeshi community in Mandalay to participate in humanitarian efforts.

BOB Post