Bangladesh Concludes Rescue Operation in Myanmar

Bangladesh has successfully concluded its humanitarian and rescue operations in Myanmar following the devastating earthquake that struck the country on March 28.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladeshi team—comprising Army rescue personnel, doctors, nurses, and fire service members—completed their mission and departed Myanmar on Sunday aboard the Bangladesh Navy Ship BNS Somudra Avijan. The team is expected to arrive in Chattogram on Tuesday.

Responding to a request from the Myanmar government, Bangladesh delivered 151.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, tents, drinking water, blankets, clothing, hygiene items, and other essential supplies.

“As a responsible neighbour and a champion in disaster management, Bangladesh stood beside the earthquake-affected people of Myanmar and responded immediately with humanitarian assistance,” the ministry stated.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus also sent a letter of condolence to his counterpart in Myanmar and offered assistance on behalf of Bangladesh.

The coordinated response involved the Chief Adviser’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Armed Forces Division, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, and the Bangladesh Embassy in Myanmar.

From March 30 to April 12, humanitarian aid was delivered in three phases via five aircraft and one naval ship. In the first phase, two aircraft (C-130J and CASA C-295) delivered 16.5 tonnes of relief to Yangon on March 30. The second phase, on April 1, involved three more aircraft transporting 15 tonnes of aid along with a 55-member rescue and medical team to Nay Pyi Taw. The third phase saw the BNS Somudra Avijan deliver over 120 tonnes of supplies to Yangon on April 11.

Bangladesh's Ambassador to Myanmar officially handed over the aid in each phase. The Embassy also mobilized members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community in Mandalay to assist with relief efforts on the ground.