Bangladesh Consulate General in New York organizes Charity Fair in support of the Earthquake Victims in Nepal.

According to a press release issued by Embassy of Bangladesh, the Consulate General of Bangladesh in New York organized a Charity Fair on Sunday, 31 May 2015 at the Consulate General's Premises.  The Bangladesh Consulate family put up stalls containing traditional attire/saree/food/handicrafts, jewellery items, etc. which were on sale.

 Congresswoman Ms. Grace Meng (Democrat-New York), an influential House Member, joined the inaugural segment.  Bangladesh Ambassador to USA Mr. Mohammad Ziauddin, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to UN Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, diplomats, representatives of various social and cultural organizations and members of Bangladesh diaspora, among others, were present.

 Md. Shameem Ahsan, Consul General, made welcome remarks and thanked all for their presence which had made the initiative successful.  Congresswoman Grace Meng, who is also a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed here deep condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the Government and the people of Nepal for the loss of thousands of lives and properties in the series of earthquakes that hit the country. 

In this regard, she narrated the series of actions taken by the US side including in the House following the quake which she termed one of the "worst case scenarios" as far as potential environmental disasters in Asia.  Talking on the magnitude of losses of lives and damages of properties, she underlined on the need to do as much as possible to help Nepal address the post-quake challenges.  Congresswoman Grace Meng, who represents 6th Congressional District in Queens, observed that many were presonally affected in New York specially in Queens where many Nepalese-Americans live.  

In his remarks, Mohammad Ziauddin, Bangladesh Ambassador to USA mentioned about the deep bond between Bangladesh and Nepal. Referring to the humanitarian assistance promptly dispatched by the Government of Bangladesh under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said that Bangladesh was happy to be on the side of Nepal at her hour of distress. 

Ambassador Ziauddin urged the Bangladesh community to come forward to help the affected people generously.  Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to UN stated that immediate mobilization of resources for assistance by the Government of Bangldesh following the disaster earned appreciation and added that Bangladesh's trace record in disaster preparedness has been recognized internationally.

Mohamed Hack, community Coordinator and Constituent Services -representing Ms. Melinda Katz, President of Queens Borough, Ms. Meifang Zhang, Deputy Consul General of China, Mr. Prabin Bhattarai, Vice Consul of the Nepalese Consulate also spoke on the occasion.

The Consulates General of China and Indonesia also put up stalls and contributed their sale proceeds and made additional donations to the fund collected for the victims of the earthquake.  Few members of the Nepalese community and representatives of some Nepalese voluntary organizations were also present who were appreciative of the initiatives of the Bangladesh Consulate.

There was a simultaneous presentation of a cultural programme showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Bangladesh which also added to the attraction of the event.

The fair drew huge crowd despite inclement weather which was reflective of the outpouring of goodwill and support for Nepal and the People of Nepal.

The Consulate General will formally hand over the sale proceeds and donation soon to the Nepalese Mission in New York.

According to a press release issued by Embassy of Bangladesh, following the earthquake on 25 April, the government of Bangladesh has sent 10,000 MT of rice, 2,000 tents, dry food, blankets, medicines, water and other essential items.  Bangladesh also dispatched a 30-member Army Medical Team which worked from 26 April to 09 May in Bhaisepati, Lalitpur and treated more than  3000 patients.  The Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu has been working with voluntary groups and community groups to provide humanitarian assistance to the earthquake in remote areas.  In addition to this, numerous organizations, NGOs and private individuals have donated relief materials for the victims of the earthquake in a spontaneous outpouring of support and sympathy.