Head of IFRC Delegation Alberto Bocanegra Vidal met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today at the foreign ministry. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, April 12, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today underscored the need to further strengthen Bangladesh's cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to enhance humanitarian response and disaster resilience. 

She made the remark when Head of IFRC Delegation Alberto Bocanegra Vidal called on her at the foreign ministry here, according to a ministry press release. 

During the meeting, the state minister appreciated the long-standing partnership between Bangladesh and IFRC, recalling its humanitarian support since the Liberation War of 1971.

She commended IFRC's prompt response to natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its initiatives in community-based disaster management.

Highlighting the role of youth, she stressed the importance of harnessing volunteerism in disaster preparedness, particularly in early cyclone warning systems and community evacuation efforts.

The state minister also thanked IFRC and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) for their continued support to the Rohingya humanitarian response, including healthcare services and safe drinking water supply in Cox's Bazar, and encouraged expanding humanitarian engagement in Bhasan Char.

Bocanegra reaffirmed IFRC's commitment to strengthening collaboration with Bangladesh and expressed interest in supporting efforts to contain the measles outbreak.

He also conveyed IFRC's readiness to assist in capacity-building, disaster response mechanisms and community resilience programmes.