Cyclone Remal has devastated the coastal regions, destroying an estimated 35,000 houses and partially damaging 115,000 more. The cyclone’s impact on fisheries, livestock, and croplands has severely disrupted both immediate and long-term livelihoods, with Brac estimating a long-term economic loss of Tk1,500 crore.
In response, Brac has contributed Tk7 crore to the relief assistance fund “Dakche Amar Desh” (Bangladesh is Calling). This includes Tk3 crore from its own funds and Tk4 crore from one-day salaries of Brac staff. Additionally, Brac Bank PLC has donated Tk3 crore. The combined Tk10 crore fund will provide emergency cash support for vulnerable families, enabling them to purchase essential food packages, rebuild homes, restore water sources, and repair latrines.
Asif Saleh, Executive Director of Brac, emphasized the urgent need for both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation: “Cyclone Remal has left millions of families in unbearable distress. Our frontline colleagues and volunteers are on the ground, supporting families in vulnerable conditions. We are mobilizing our own funds to start the immediate work, but the need is much greater and requires collective, sustained efforts.”
To contribute to the relief efforts, donations can be made through the Brac website at https://brac.net/dakcheamardesh/en/. Payments can be made via bkash to 01730321765 (using the Make Payment option) or through bank transfers to Brac Bank account number 150120-2316474001, Gulshan 1, Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka.
Brac estimates that:
- Tk2,000 (USD 17) will help a family of four procure essential food items for two weeks.
- Tk60,000 (USD 508) will help a family rebuild their house.
- Tk60,000 (USD 508) will help repair a damaged tube well.
- Tk40,000 (USD 339) will aid the reconstruction of a latrine.
Selim R F Hussain, Managing Director and CEO of Brac Bank PLC, stated: “Brac Bank’s contribution underscores our commitment to social responsibility. We believe in the power of collaboration to bring positive change, and together with Brac, we aim to significantly impact the lives of those affected by this disaster.”
Brac is actively coordinating with government agencies, humanitarian clusters, and partners to prioritize relief efforts, especially for women-led households, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with disabilities in hard-to-reach areas. A total of 23,000 Brac staff, including community health workers and volunteers, are providing emergency food and shelter across the affected regions. So far, 1,600 people in coastal areas have received emergency food support through local government institutions.
