Bangladesh offers Nepal all possible assistance: Foreign minister

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Thursday said Bangladesh has offered Nepal all possible assistance in dealing with the devastating flash floods and landslides.

“We offered them all possible assistance,” the foreign minister said while briefing journalists at the ministry after speaking by phone with his Nepalese counterpart, Shisir Khanal, earlier in the day.

Describing the disaster as a “terrible tragedy”, Khalilur said, “Bangladesh extends its condolences and prayers to the families who have lost their loved ones.”

He said no Bangladeshi citizens had so far been reported among the casualties and sought assistance from the Nepalese government if any unfortunate incident involving Bangladeshi nationals is identified.

“The Prime Minister of Bangladesh has expressed full solidarity with the government and people of Nepal during this difficult time, and Bangladesh stands ready to provide any assistance Nepal may need,” he said.

Nepal’s foreign minister thanked Bangladesh for its warm gesture of solidarity during the difficult time. He said Nepalese authorities were still assessing the extent of the damage and would communicate their specific needs for assistance after completing a full assessment of the situation.

Meanwhile, Khalilur conveyed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s personal message of condolence to Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah.