The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Sunday extended thanks to the anonymous philanthropist for donating 130 million US dollars for rehabilitation works in the cyclone Sidr-hit coastal belt.

He also gave thanks to the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) for taking the responsibility of managing the funds. The unnamed donor wants to use the funds through the IDB.

The Chief Adviser conveyed the gratitude through the visiting IDB mission as a four-member tea led by MA Sattar, Adviser to the IDB President, made a courtesy call

on him at the CA's office in the afternoon and discussed some options of using the handsome amount of charity.

According to the desire of the philanthropist, the donor wants to spend 110 million dollars for constructing school-cum-cyclone shelters while the rest 20 million for livelihood rehabilitation of the cyclone-affected people.

The IDB mission, who visited some of the cyclone-ravaged spots, appreciated government as well as army's role and efforts in the immediate tackling of the aftermath of the cyclone.

They apprised that they might need government's support in designing and side selection. The CA assured government's necessary cooperation in this regard.

The mission made the visit to Bangladesh, particularly to the Sidr-hit areas, to explore how best IDB could utilize the 130 million dollars in a transparent way so that real beneficiaries get benefited.

The IDB mission, who have already met many high officials of the government and prominent NGO leaders, apprised that they would submit a report regarding utilization of the funds to the IDB president.

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin recalled his meeting with the IDB president at Mina when he went to Makkah to perform Hajj last year. At the time he was apprised of the philanthropist's donation. ERD Secretary Aminul Islam Bhuiyan, Secretary to CA's office Kazi M Aminul Islam and CA's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim were also present.