Photo: Collected

DHAKA, July 22, 2026 (BSS) - Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today said China has consistently stood beside Bangladesh whenever the country faced disasters or humanitarian crises, reaffirming Beijing's continued support for Dhaka in times of need.
 
"The Chinese people deeply sympathize with the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time," he said while handing over US$100,000 in emergency assistance to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) at the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society national headquarters here.
 
On behalf of the Red Cross Society of China, the ambassador donated the amount to support BDRCS's ongoing emergency response for communities affected by recent floods and landslides across the country.
 
BDRCS Chairman Barrister Md Abdus Salam received the assistance on behalf of the organisation.
 
Referring to the devastation caused by recent heavy rains, Yao said severe flooding has claimed many lives, left millions of people stranded and caused extensive damage to farmland and infrastructure.
 
"This contribution reflects the sincere concern and solidarity of the Chinese Government and people with the people of Bangladesh," he said.
 
Yao said China has consistently extended support whenever Bangladesh has faced disasters or humanitarian crises.
 
Beyond emergency assistance, he said, China has been supporting Bangladesh in strengthening its disaster preparedness capacity through annual training programmes and provision of flood-response equipment.
 
Last year, China donated emergency response equipment to BDRCS, which is now being effectively utilised in the ongoing flood response, he added.
 
The ambassador also reaffirmed China's commitment to continuing humanitarian assistance and providing training for BDRCS volunteers whenever needed.
 
Speaking on the occasion, BDRCS Chairman Abdus Salam expressed gratitude to the government and people of China and the Red Cross Society of China for their continued humanitarian support.
 
"We sincerely thank the government and people of China for standing beside the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time. Our dedicated volunteers are already working in some of the hardest-hit and most remote areas," he said.
 
Salam said the Chinese assistance would enable BDRCS to further expand its emergency operations, including distribution of food assistance, safe drinking water, temporary shelter and hygiene kits as well as provision of medical services.
 
Highlighting the longstanding Bangladesh-China friendship, Salam recalled the role of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in initiating bilateral relations and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in further strengthening the ties.
 
He expressed optimism that following the Prime Minister's recent visit to China, bilateral cooperation in humanitarian, economic and development sectors would continue to deepen.
 
During the programme, BDRCS presented an overview of its emergency response activities carried out until July 21, saying Taka 3.39 million had so far been released for emergency operations.
 
BDRCS has distributed more than 2,500 food packages, evacuated and rescued over 22,000 people, provided medical assistance to more than 2,000 people and distributed over 37,000 litres of safe drinking water.
 
It has also mobilised 12 Red Crescent units and deployed more than 3,500 volunteers for emergency response operations.
 
BDRCS Vice Chairman Prof Dr Md Rafiqul Kabir, Treasurer Dr Abu Md Mofakhkharul Islam Rana and Secretary General Dr Kabir Md Ashraf Alam, ndc, attended the programme, among others.
 
Senior officials of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Chinese Embassy and representatives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement were also present.