Navy delivers major relief consignment to earthquake-hit Myanmar

The Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Somudra Avijan has arrived in Yangon, Myanmar, carrying over 120 metric tons of humanitarian aid as part of the second phase of relief efforts for communities affected by the recent earthquake.

According to an official press release, the consignment includes 75.5 metric tons of dry food, as well as hygiene kits, water, tents, and other emergency supplies.

The relief items were handed over on Saturday morning at a ceremony held at the MITT jetty in Yangon. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Dr. M Monwar Hossain, presented the aid to U Soe Thein, Chief Minister of the Yangon Region.

In his remarks, Ambassador Hossain highlighted Bangladesh’s swift response, stating that the country stood by Myanmar in this crisis as a responsible neighbor and regional leader in disaster preparedness. He praised the coordinated efforts of the Bangladesh Armed Forces for their active role in providing relief, rescue, and medical support in Naypyidaw between April 1 and 10.

He also expressed gratitude to the captain and crew of BNS Somudra Avijan for successfully delivering the vital consignment and noted Bangladesh’s ongoing humanitarian efforts, referencing assistance provided after Cyclone Mocha in 2023.

As part of the aid package, the Ambassador handed over 800 boxes of hygiene kits to representatives of the Myanmar Red Cross.

This shipment marks the largest consignment of aid Bangladesh has sent to Myanmar this year. In the first phase, two earlier deliveries were made on March 30 and April 1, totaling 31.5 metric tons of relief materials. These were transported by three Bangladesh Air Force C-130J aircraft and two Bangladesh Army CASA aircraft, accompanied by a 55-member search and rescue team.

The handover ceremony was attended by Myanmar government officials, Brigadier General Md. Aftab Hossain, diplomats from the Bangladesh Embassy, and the ship’s captain and crew.