Former Bangladesh prime minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has expressed deep grief over the deaths, injuries and disappearances caused by the devastating flash floods in Nepal.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Sheikh Hasina extended her condolences to the families of those who died and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and the safe rescue of those still missing.
She also proposed that Bangladesh could offer Saidpur Airport in the northern part of the country as a humanitarian logistics point for relief and emergency assistance, if the Nepalese government requests such support.
Referring to the situation in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, Sheikh Hasina said a large number of families and communities had been severely affected by the sudden floods in areas including Timure, Syabrubesi and Rasuwagadhi. She noted that many lives had been lost, while numerous people remained missing amid widespread destruction and uncertainty.
Describing Nepal as a close friend of Bangladesh, she highlighted the historical, geographical and cultural ties between the two countries, as well as their shared interests in regional cooperation.
Sheikh Hasina also recalled her visit to Kathmandu in 2018 to attend the fourth BIMSTEC summit, saying she remembered the warmth, dignity and resilience of the Nepalese people with deep respect and affection.
Emphasizing the importance of neighboring countries standing together during natural disasters, she said Bangladesh understands the suffering caused by floods, river erosion, earthquakes and climate-related disasters. She noted that Bangladesh had previously stood beside Nepal and other friendly countries during times of natural calamity.
She called for Bangladesh to provide all possible practical assistance to Nepal during the current crisis. According to her statement, Saidpur Airport could be used as a humanitarian logistics point for relief operations and emergency assistance if requested by the Nepalese authorities.
She also stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation in early warning systems, disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, river management, information sharing and humanitarian response, noting that South Asian countries face common threats from climate change, fragile mountain ecosystems, flash floods, landslides and extreme weather.
Sheikh Hasina paid tribute to rescue workers, security personnel, doctors, local administrators, volunteers and ordinary citizens working to assist people affected by the disaster.
She concluded by expressing solidarity with the people of Nepal and hope that they would find strength, unity and courage to overcome the crisis and rebuild the lives of those affected.
The flash floods that struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district on August 26 caused extensive destruction in areas including Timure, Syabrubesi and Rasuwagadhi. Roads, bridges, settlements and other infrastructure have been damaged, while rescue operations remain underway.
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