Support Bangladesh's Flood Recovery Efforts
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In recent days, Bangladesh has been devastated by severe floods, impacting over 3.7 million people and 500,000 families. The situation is dire: homes have been destroyed, mudslides have further complicated the crisis, and many individuals are stranded and in urgent need of aid. The scale of this disaster is immense and demands immediate action.
Adding to the tragedy, Bangladesh is also navigating a period of significant political upheaval. This month, after extensive protests, Bangladeshis successfully overthrew long-time leader Sheikh Hasina. The newly formed interim government is now grappling with the dual challenges of stabilizing the country and addressing the flood's devastation.
The Bangaldeshi government will need all the help it can get to accomplish these herculean feats. To this end, I am asking my friends and colleagues, as well as their larger networks, to contribute any amount to help aid in Bangladesh's recovery. Even a small contribution can make a significant difference in providing relief to those affected.
I plan on donating to the following organizations:
- As-Sunnah Foundation. The As-Sunnah Foundation is regarded as among the most reputable humanitarian organizations in Bangladesh. Money sent to the Foundation's flood relief efforts is used to directly aid those afflicted by the floods.
- Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. Bangladesh's Red Crescent Society engages in wide-ranging humanitarian efforts throughout the country, including flood relief (see here for an example of their earlier work this year). Red Crescent will use money donated for these most recent floods to help those afflicted in a variety of ways, including healthcare and WASH services and shelter.
- Various student groups based out of Dhaka University. Organized student groups played pivotal roles in ousting Sheikh Hasina (in fact, it was their quota reform movement that ultimately led to the fall of her dictatorial regime), and they continue to work tirelessly to restore stability in the country. Student groups have mounted the quickest responses to the floods and need support to continue their work. As an example, this is some of the work being supported by students from my former department (Dhaka University's Institute of Statistical Research and Training).
The specifics for how much I give to each organization will be determined by an assessment of the country's material conditions and needs at the time of the donation. I will be as transparent as possible with where the money will go and how it will be used. Donated funds from outside of Bangladesh will be placed in a bank account in the United States and then sent to Bangladesh using a reliable service such as Remitly.
A bit about me: my name is Awan Afiaz. Born and raised in Bangladesh and currently a PhD student in the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Washington in the United States, I am in Bangladesh now and am in contact with organizations and individuals who are providing humanitarian efforts on the ground, so I will be able to ensure that all of the donated money is used to provide relief. Please feel free to reach out with any questions regarding the allocation of the funds.
Organizer
Awan Afiaz
Organizer
Seattle, WA