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First minister backs Disasters Emergency Committee appeal for Bangladesh

PHOTOCALL: TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER, 15.30 GARDEN LOBBY, HOLYROOD

SCOTTISH BANGLADESHIS APPEAL TO NATION

The First Minister has given his support to Scottish aid agencies appealing for millions of people left without food and shelter following the Bangladesh cyclone.

Scotland’s leading international aid agencies come together to launch the DEC Bangladesh Cyclone Appeal in Scotland, funds raised will provide desperately needed relief to people suffering after the most ferocious cyclone to hit Bangladesh in decades.

The Scottish public wishing to donate can log on to the DEC website at www.dec.org.uk or phone 0870 60 60 900.

Public donations will be used for immediate needs such as food, clean water, medicines and shelter. But the scale of the devastation is so immense that a huge relief and reconstruction effort will be needed over the coming months.

First Minister Alex Salmond MSP, said: ‘Our thoughts go out to the people of Bangladesh, including those living here in Scotland, as they seek to come to terms with the loss of loved ones and the destruction of their homes. I have written to the President of Bangladesh to express condolences on behalf of the Scottish Government and people. I would urge all the people of Scotland, who are renowned for their generosity of spirit in responding to humanitarian disasters, to help the people of Bangladesh at this difficult time by supporting the DEC appeal.’

Dr Wali Uddin, MBE, Honorary Council General of Bangladesh in Scotland, said:

‘Scottish people have always been very supportive during times of disaster. Once again, I'm calling on all Scots to joins forces and help raise vital funds for over 5 million people in Bangladesh who have been left devastated by Cyclone Sidr.’

Linda Fabiani, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, said: ‘I would like to offer my condolences to the people of Bangladesh as they face a second major disaster in just a few short months. Coming so soon after July's floods, Cyclone Sidr was the last thing that Bangladesh needed. However, I am sure that, with the support of the international community, the people will rebuild their communities. The people of Scotland have an admirable track record in reacting to DEC appeals and I am sure it will be no different on this occasion.’

Nicol Stephen, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland said: ‘The DEC appeal will provide crucial relief for the many thousands of Bangladeshis whose lives have been devastated by the cyclone. I urge you to give all you can to ease the plight of those suffering in the aftermath and prevent any more loss of life.’

Ends

Agencies involved in the DEC in Scotland include:

British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Save the Children and Tearfund. Other DEC members include ActionAid, Merlin, Care International UK, CAFOD and World Vision.