Japan extends Tk 50 lakh to Bangladeshi NGO ‘Friendship’

The government of Japan extended a grant to a Bangladeshi NGO, Friendship, which is implementing medical support for Rohingya refugees in Bhasan Char.

IWAMA Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, signed the ‘Grant Contracts’ for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) at the Embassy of Japan with the organization on Wednesday.

Friendship has been awarded $46,299 (equivalant to Tk 50 lakh) as grant for the Project for Procurement of Medical Equipment for Pathological Tests and Dental Care in Bhasan Char Island, Noakhali District, reads a press release.

“Friendship is implementing various programmes on health, gender-based violence, mental health and education across Bangladesh, as well as health and education programmes for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar. With the assistance of the GGHSP funding, Friendship will install medical equipment for pathological tests, dental care and hospital in Bhasan Char. The project will provide high quality medical services to the residents and improve the medical environment of the island,” it said.

“During my visit to Bhasan Char last month, the tireless efforts by the Government of Bangladesh, the UN agencies, and several NGOs for refugees impressed me. We will continue to engage in the solution for a safe and sustainable return, and will cooperate with such organizations, to achieve better living conditions for refugees. Also, I recognized the need for continuous support for them, and we will commit to that.” said Ambassador IWAMA.