Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - Bharti Airtel has announced the launch of a unique telecommunications based digital system that is designed to deliver vessel weather alerts and vessel tracking capabilities specifically for the fishermen community residing in Bangladesh's coastal areas.
In an event held on Saturday Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad and other government high officials inaugurated the launch of this service by providing Airtel's unique tracking device to 50 fishing vessels.
This initiative by Airtel was supported by CARE Bangladesh, Oxfam, Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods (CSRL) and Centre for Global Change (CGC).
CARE Bangladesh addresses the underlying causes of poverty and promotes sustainable development models to empower and benefit the poorest and marginalized. CSRL is an NGO ensuring sustainable development through the reduction of poverty and vulnerability for the rural population. Oxfam is an international confederation working to find lasting solutions to poverty and injustice.
On this occasion, Chris Tobit, CEO and Managing Director, Airtel Bangladesh Limited said: "Our constant endeavor for excellence is acutely based on our vision for enriching lives of the people across all geographies of our operations. While Bangladesh's abundant coastline is of great pride to us and a source of livelihood for many --- we are all aware of the challenges we face as a country from our vulnerability to the grave effects of climate change. With the launch of Airtel's innovative digital telecommunications system for coastal weather conditions, we look forward to helping the fishermen community leverage technology towards their benefit and avert harsh consequences of climatic disturbances."
BBN/SSR/AD-31Oct11-11:54 am (BST)