Mr. Hafiz Ahmed Mazumdar, Chairman, BDRCS
Heads of Delegation of IFRC and ICRC
Representatives of different Partner National Society
Board Members of BDRCS
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Assalamu alaikum, Adab and a very good afternoon!

I am delighted to be here this afternoon to attend the closing ceremony of the Partnership Meeting organized by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. I am also happy to learn that senior officials from as many as 13 National Societies as well as distinguished representatives from IFRC, ICRC and RCRC Standing Commission have joined this two-day event. I believe the meeting has provided the existing as well as potential Partner National Societies with an opportunity to have an in depth idea about the strategic goals of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society set out under its new Strategic Plan 2017-2020. I am sure that this event will renew and strengthen the collaboration among the internal and external stakeholders in the delivery of humanitarian services to the people in need.

Since its inception, BDRCS has been trying its best to reduce the sufferings of the country’s most vulnerable, the needy and the marginalized people by undertaking a number of initiatives, programs and projects following the Fundamental Principles of the RCRC Movement and supporting the Government of Bangladesh initiatives. BDRCS instantly stands beside the victims of natural disasters, such as, tornado, flood, cyclone, drought, cold wave and so on. It also extends helping hand to those affected by accidents, fire incidents and other man-made disasters. BDRCS together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other national and international NGOs, has been rendering humanitarian services to the people from Myanmar who crossed over to Bangladesh to evade discrimination and atrocities in their homeland.

I am happy to know that with the support from IFRC, ICRC and other Partner National Societies, BDRCS has scaled up its on-going humanitarian activities including health care services for the hapless people from Myanmar following the recent influx during the past few months. I should therefore, like to take this opportunity to thank BDRCS and the Movement Partners for providing humanitarian services to all those who need such services the most.

From the highlights of the partnership meeting provided by the Secretary General, I am happy to note, that BDRCS has formulated its Strategic Plan for 2017-2020 with a vision of becoming a leading Humanitarian Organization and contribute towards achieving the IFRC goal for making one billion people resilient as well as attaining UN Sustainable Development Goals. I am also happy to know that BDRCS has organized this partnership meeting with a view to consolidating the gains that has been made by it in cooperation with its existing partners and by attracting some new partners in its endeavor to serve the humanity. It is also encouraging to note that this year’s Partnership Meeting is being attended not only by the traditional Movement Partners like IFRC, ICRC and RCRC Partner National Societies but also by reputed national and international organizations, financial institutions, commercial and business enterprises based in Dhaka.

Before, I conclude, I wish to congratulate BDRCS and those associated with it for organizing a successful partnership meeting which is a well represented event and hope it will help the movement to run towards its goals in full steam. I urge upon the affluent partner national societies, benevolent individuals and organizations to be part of different programs and projects run by BDRCS and to extend their helping hand to serve the cause of humanity.

I thank you.

Joy Bangla! Joy Bangabandhu!