Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- US Ambassador James F. Moriarty opened a new multi-purpose cyclone shelter (MPCS) at Hamidia in Cox's Bazar district on Wednesday.
The latest cyclone shelter was built with fund from the US government through the US Pacific Command Humanitarian Assistance Program.
Gias Uddin Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner, Cox's Bazar, and Nibash Chandra Majhi, Superintendent of Police, Cox's Bazar also attended the ceremony.
In his remarks to the assembled audience, Ambassador Moriarty said: “Today’s inauguration represents one of many examples of the strong partnership that exists between the Government of Bangladesh and the United States Government. It demonstrates how the people of Bangladesh and the people of the United States are working together for a common goal: the protection and the security of the people of Bangladesh.”
Over 40 shelters have been built since 2008 in Chittagong, Khulna, Barisal, and Rajshahi districts at a total cost of $10 million. Each shelter can accommodate up to 1,200 people in the event of an emergency.
The US government supports programs in five key areas in Bangladesh: improving health and pre-primary education; creating income opportunities for rural poor; supporting good governance; enhancing food security; and strengthening disaster preparedness and providing emergency assistance following natural disasters.
Since 1971, the U.S. Government has provided over $5.8 billion in assistance to Bangladesh.
BBN/SSR/SI-06Apr11-8:07 pm (BST)
