High Commission of India, Dhaka
November 18, 2007
PRESS RELEASE
____________________President of India, Srimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh have sent separate messages to Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed, President of People's Republic of Bangladesh and Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, Chief Advisor of People's Republic of Bangladesh, to convey condolences to the Government and the people of Bangladesh at the extensive loss of lives and damage to property, caused by Cyclone Sidr, which struck Bangladesh on 15 th November, 2007.
Message of President of India :
‘I am deeply saddened to learn about the tragic loss of lives and substantial damage to property in the aftermath of the hurricane that swept through Bangladesh on the night of November 15, 2007.
I would like to convey my deep condolences to your Excellency and through you to the members of the bereaved families. I am confident, that as always, the people of Bangladesh will face this tragedy with courage and fortitude.'
Message of Prime Minister of India :
‘It was with great sadness that I received news of the loss of lives and damage to property in Bangladesh caused by the hurricane on November 15, 2007.
On behalf of the Government and the people of India as well as on my own behalf, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of Bangladesh on this great natural calamity. I would also like to take this opportunity to convey, through Your Excellency, our deepest sympathies to the members of the bereaved families.
India stands ready to assist in whatever way we can to help in the relief process.'
India has provided food and financial assistance to Bangladesh to assist it in overcoming natural calamities. In 2005-06, India provided 40,500 tonnes of rice amounting to approximately Rs 52 crore (Tk 90 crore). During 2007, India has provided cash assistance of US$ 10 mn (Tk 68 crore) as relief for flood victims and delivered 9,300 tonnes of rice, valued at Rs 13 crore (Tk 22 crore).
18 November 2007