The World Food Programme (WFP) is going to start an emergency six-month food aid for 2.2 million worst victims of cyclone Sidr in nine most affected districts within a week.
The donor organisation will provide a basket of 30kg rice, 9kg lentils, 1kg salt and 2.75 litres of edible oil and nutritious biscuits for a five-member family for one month from December 1.
In an interview with The Daily Star, WFP country director Douglas Broderick yesterday said the aid will cost the WFP $51.7 million. He urged the international community to come forward in assistance of the WFP.
“I need $51.7 million to feed 2.2 million people in the Sidr affected areas. Therefore, I need the support of the international community and donors as well immediately,” Broderick said.
He said the aid totals around 70,000 tonnes of food grain, which will be procured from both international and national markets.
“Wherever we can get the food grain, the WFP will welcome that. We will buy it in different phases,” he said.
Bangladesh government, however, had urged donors not to buy food grain for relief from the local market as that may lead to a price hike of the food grain.
Asked if there is any probability of famine in the country as it will face shortage of one million tonnes of food grain due to the recent floods and cyclone, Broderick said, “I don’t think so…I don’t use the word ‘famine’.”
There is no chance that the country will face a famine-like
Tags: Bangladesh, Bangladesh Economy, Caretaker Government, Cyclone, Economy
Categories: Bangla, Bangladesh, Bangladesh Economy, Bangladesh News, Daily Bangladesh News, Economy, News
