Japan Emerges as Top Development Partner for BD with $1.66B in Aid for FY 2023-24

Japan has allocated $2 million to the Japan Platform for flood relief in Bangladesh, supporting various sectors through NGOs. Japanese Ambassador Iwama Kiminori and Lt Gen (ret.) M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury discussed the aid on September 4, 2024. Japan also expressed interest in assisting with flood forecasting and damage assessment. The Japanese government has concerns about the safety of its citizens and projects in Bangladesh, and has urged improvements in the law-and-order situation, particularly in Rohingya camps.

Severe flash floods in southeastern Bangladesh have affected over 5.82 million people, leaving many without shelter, healthcare, or basic supplies. The floods, intensified by climate change, have overwhelmed major rivers and caused widespread devastation.

The UK government is allocating an additional £450,000 in humanitarian aid to assist over 36,000 people affected by severe flooding in eastern Bangladesh.  This funding, announced by the British High Commission in Dhaka, follows an initial £33,000 released on August 26. The total UK support for disaster preparedness and response in Bangladesh this year now exceeds £1,500,000.

During a courtesy meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna, an Australian representative announced AUD 1 million (Tk70 million) in aid for emergency relief to 35,000 people, to be delivered through BRAC. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude and requested increased investment and trade from Australia. The discussion also covered security in the Bay of Bengal, the Rohingya crisis, human rights, economic cooperation, tax tariffs, and minority issues. Australia affirmed its commitment to collaborating with the interim Bangladeshi government and highlighted its ongoing peace-building and leadership initiatives in the Rohingya camps.

On August 29, 2024, Russian Ambassador Alexander Mantytskiy announced a donation of 30,000 tonnes of potash fertilizer to Bangladesh during a meeting with Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam. In response, Adviser Jahangir Alam requested a free shipment of wheat to address food security challenges exacerbated by flooding. The ambassador agreed to consider this request pending a formal written notification from Bangladesh. The meeting also covered strengthening cooperation in cybersecurity and forensic lab modernization.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pledged humanitarian aid to Bangladesh following recent floods, expressing condolences for the lives lost during a phone call with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on August 27, 2024. During the call, Dr. Yunus emphasized the need for increased trade and Turkish investment in Bangladesh's key sectors, particularly manufacturing. President Erdogan responded by promising to send a high-level delegation to assist with rebuilding efforts. Both leaders also extended invitations to visit each other's countries, reflecting a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.