The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Wednesday said donations received to CA's Relief and Welfare Fund are being spent on relief and primary rehabilitation purposes, mainly house rebuilding, in the cyclone-ravaged areas.

So far, Tk 60 crore of the Relief Fund has been disbursed and is being distributed at the field level, he said while receiving donations for the fund from a number of individuals and government and private institutions and organizations at his office.

"The government is extending assistance to the victims of the powerful cyclone sdir, including farmers, fishermen, poultry and livestock farmers, and small traders, to involve them, as soon as possible, in economic activities," said the CA. Dr Fakhruddin said his government wants to upgrade life of the cyclone-hit people through long-term rehabilitation measures. "Combined efforts of all would make it possible to improve the lifestyle of the cyclone-stricken people," he said, as there have been massive operations going on along the country's battered coastline.

The CA mentioned his Monday's meeting with Ambassadors and High Commissioners of friendly countries and representatives of development partners for cooperation in the government's long-term rehabilitation planning. Those donated yesterday and were present include on behalf of Water Resources Ministry its Adviser Maj Gen (Rtd) ASM Matiur Rahman, former Secretary and IGP AYBI Siddiqi, Vice-chancellor of BUET Prof Dr AMM Safiullah, Vice-chancellor of Islamic University Prof Faez Mohammad Sirajul Huq, managing director of Pubali Bank Ltd Helal Ahmed Chowdhury, managing Director of Bata Shoe Company (Bangladesh) Ltd JD Hearns, on behalf of Uttara Club Md Liaqat Ali, managing director of MAK Steel Industries Md Joynal Abedin, coordinator of RDRS Bangladesh Sufia Noorani, Director, Ever Fashion Ltd, Habil Ahmed Chowdhury and Syed Ruhul Amin and Shafinaj Amin.