EU to give $19 mn aid to Bangladesh

The European Commission Friday announced that it will provide 13 million euros (about $19 million) to rebuild the quake-hit areas in Bangladesh, EuAsiaNews, reported.

Cyclone Sidr, which struck Bangladesh last November, devastated the country in the aftermath.

The European Union (EU) said that it had already provided 20.4 million euros to Bangladesh for long-term reconstruction and development projects in the affected areas.

"We are providing the aid as a major donor to Bangladesh during the post-Sidr recovery period. The money would help the farming community to buy seeds and equipment and would also create jobs in the quake-hit areas," said Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations.

Damages caused by the cyclone have inflicted losses worth more than 1.1 billion euros, equivalent to 2.8 percent of Bangladesh's GDP (Gross Domestic Product), on the country.