The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The anonymous philanthropist, who earlier promised to donate US$ 130 million to Bangladesh, has deposited the money in the Islamic Development Bank (IDB). A senior official of the Economic Relations Division told UNB that the donation would be released after a memorandum of understanding (MoU) is signed between the IDB and Bangladesh following the listing of schools in the Sidr-hit southwestern districts that need reconstruction and rebuilding.

"They need a list of schools and we're working on it," said the official, adding that the Ministry of Primary Education identified 600 schools, mainly the primary ones, in this regard. The list of schools would be finalised by the end of this month after having consultations with the Planning Commission to avoid overlapping as many other countries and organisations pledged to help rebuild the schools. The final list would be sent to the IDB to prepare the MoU.

"The project will be implemented within two years as the philanthropist wants its quick implementation," said the ERD official, adding that a quick preparation was on going beyond the conventional process of project formulation.

Of the total amount, he said, US$ 20 million would be spent on livelihood development of the Sidr-hit areas while the rest on rebuilding and reconstruction of schools and schools-cum-cyclone shelters.

Immediately after the enviable gesture of benevolence by the philanthropist, who wished to remain anonymous, a four-member IDB team, led by head of Special Assistant office of IDB Dr Mohammad Hassan Salem, apprised Finance Adviser Dr Mirza Azizul Islam of the donation at Planning Ministry on January 28.

Islamic Development Bank (IDB) will implement the donation programme in association with the government of Bangladesh for rebuilding the battered lives of the Sidr victims in Bangladesh's coastal areas.