Bangladesh Red Crescent Society
Humanitarian assistances were distributed among the 450 Santal families who were affected by recent atrocious incidents at a ceremony organised recently by Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaibandha. Under the programme each family received food ration for one month, non-food items and clothing to help them cope with the uncertain situation. The distribution covered over 2,000 people and was carried in line with the outcome of the field assessment of the essential needs and identification of the most vulnerable families in coordination with the local BDRCS unit and local administration. The BDRCS and ICRC provide assistance on a purely humanitarian basis as a support to people and communities striving to overcome consequences of violent situations. The BDRCS has provided similar assistances to 130 families in Nasirnagar, Brahmanbaria last month.
BD Resource Center for Indigenous Knowledge
A discussion on ‘Cultural and Biodiversity Conservation for Building Green Environment’ organised by Bangladesh Resource Center for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK) and Barind Seed Bank was held recently at Dubail village under Tanore Upazila. Chairman of Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) Dr Akram Chowdhury was present as the chief guest. While speaking Akram called upon all concerns to create more awareness on protection and conservation of biodiversity and cultural diversity in the vast Barind tract. He added the diversities are gradually declining due to climate change and manmade catastrophes that posing a serious threat to the whole ecosystem. He said school, college and university level students need proper knowledge about the importance of biodiversity, conservation of natural resource and climate change issues so that they can contribute to this field. The function was addressed, among others, by Project Director (Seed) of BMDA Rafiqul Islam, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Nilufar Yasmin, Upazila Agriculture Officer Shafiqul Islam, BMDA Assistant Engineer Shariful Islam and BARCIK Regional Coordinator Shahidul Islam. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shawkat Ali presided over the programme.
