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Dhaka, Wednesday, December 12, 2007: Recovery from Cyclone Sidr and longer-term disaster mitigation and adaptation systems are expected to top the agenda with the Government of Bangladesh when World Bank South Asia Vice President Praful C. Patel arrives here early tomorrow on a three-day visit.
In the immediate aftermath of the November 15 cyclone, the World Bank announced it could make up to US$ 250 million available to Bangladesh for needs ranging from recovery to longer-term disaster mitigation. A month after the storm, Patel will be meeting with government officials to discuss details of the Bank’s support strategy. This includes quick-disbursing financial support to the budget by end-January, 2008; livelihood restoration support available by April next year; and financial support for a long-term disaster prevention and management program.
The Bank recently provided US$ 75 million in budget support following the devastating August floods and is preparing additional support of US$ 130 million by reallocating funds from the current International Development Association commitment to Bangladesh. A few projects will also receive increased allocations to target flood-related needs.
The World Bank Vice President is expected to visit Barisal to meet with government’s post-cyclone response task forces. Patel will also meet with some communities hit by the storm in the Patuakhali district to hear directly from them about how they are getting back on their feet, and recovering their sources of income and livelihood.
Back in Dhaka, Patel is expected to meet Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, Chief Advisor and other government officials, to discuss how the Bank can best contribute to the government’s long-term disaster management efforts. In a meeting with development partners recently, Ahmed called for an important shift in attention from reacting to natural disasters to a strong focus on mitigation and prevention. He has requested the international community's support in working together to make a real difference in how Bangladesh plans for future disasters and manages for the potential impact of climate change. Ahmed said the key components of a longer term interventions included repairing, rebuilding and extending the coastal embankment system for which about US $ 1 billion would have to be mobilized.
Patel will also meet Dr. Mirza Azizul Islam, Advisor, Finance and Planning, senior government officials, development partners, and representatives of the civil society members.
He hopes to participate in a joint-press conference with Dr Chowdhury Sajjadul Karim, Advisor Agriculture, Environment Advisor and Fisheries and Livestock, where the government and the Bank can be expected to share a particular focus on the impact of climate change on Bangladesh.
Contacts:
Dhaka: S.M.Rezwan-ul-Alam (880-2) 8159001 Ext. 4242
E-mail: salam3@worldbank.org
Washington: Benjamin S. Crow 202 473 5105
E-mail: bcrow@worldbank.org
For more information on the World Bank in Bangladesh, please visit:
http://www.worldbank.org.bd
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