BRAC, BRAC Bank provide Tk 100m in relief assistance for families affected by cyclone Remal

Cyclone Remal has left behind a trail of destruction across Bangladesh. An estimated 35,000 houses along the coastal belt have been fully destroyed, and 115,000 houses have been partially damaged. Fisheries, livestock, and croplands have been washed away, affecting immediate and long-term livelihoods. Early estimates by development organisation BRAC suggest a long-term economic loss of Tk 15 billion.

BRAC has contributed Tk 70 million (Tk 30 million from its own funds and Tk 40 million from one-day salaries of BRAC staff) to the relief assistance fund titled ‘Dakche Amar Desh’ (Bangladesh is calling). In addition, BRAC Bank PLC has contributed Tk 30 million for the cyclone victims, according to a media statement Wednesday.

The fund will be mobilised for emergency cash support so vulnerable families can procure essential food packages, as well as for rebuilding homes, water sources, and latrines and restoring livelihoods.

Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, said, “Cyclone Remal has left millions of families in unbearable distress, damaging their homes, land, and sources of livelihood. Our frontline colleagues, community health workers, and volunteers are on the ground, supporting families in vulnerable conditions. The community needs both immediate relief assistance and long-term rehabilitation and rebuilding support."

"We are mobilising our own funds to start the immediate work. However, the need is much greater and requires collective, sustained efforts. We urge all sections of society, including generous individuals, private sector partners, and donor agencies, to come forward and join us,” Saleh said.

To donate, please visit: https://brac.net/dakcheamardesh/en/. Contributions can be made through bkash payment  01730321765 (use the ‘Make Payment’ option). 

For bank transfers, the interested ones may send their contributions to the following account, BRAC Bank account number 150120-2316474001, Gulshan 1, Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka. Other payment options are also available on the website. 

BRAC estimates that Tk 2,000 (USD 17) will help a family of four procure essential food items for two weeks, Tk 60,000 (USD 508) will help a family rebuild their house, Tk 60,000 (USD 508) will help repair a damaged tube well, and Tk 40,000 (USD 339) will aid the reconstruction of a latrine. 

Selim RF Hussain, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank PLC, said, "We are committed to supporting our communities in times of need. BRAC Bank's contribution to BRAC's relief efforts in the cyclone Remal-affected areas underscores our dedication to social responsibility. We believe in the power of collaboration to bring positive change, and together with BRAC, we aim to impact the lives of those affected by this disaster significantly."

BRAC has been closely monitoring cyclone Remal's impact and coordinating with relevant government agencies, humanitarian clusters, and partners at both national and local levels. For the relief effort, priority is being given to women-led households, elderly people, pregnant women, and people with physical and mental disabilities -- especially in hard-to-reach areas.