The Australian government has provided personal protective equipment (PPE) to Bangladesh Armed Forces Division (AFD) under the Defence Cooperation Programme between the two countries, for combating COVID-19 pandemic.
Australian High Commissioner Jeremy Bruer handed over the consignment of PPE to AFD’s Principal Staff Officer Lieutenant General Md Mahfuzur Rahman in the capital, an Australian High Commission press release said on Saturday, reports BSS.
The supply includes five tonnes of PPE, consisting of 12,000 high quality coveralls and 200,000 gloves, was funded through the Australian Department of Defence, it added.
“The Bangladesh Armed Forces are key frontline responders in combatting COVID-19 in Bangladesh. This contribution underlines the strong relationship between the defence forces of Australia and Bangladesh,” the High Commissioner said.
The delivery of the PPE, produced by Ansell, an Australian company, reflects Australia’s commitment to standing by its regional neighbours in this challenging time, said the release.
Australia is working with its partners to support Bangladesh’s response to COVID-19 through providing crucial nutritional support, education and activities for economic recovery.
Through additional support to IOM and UNHCR, the Australian government funding has also boosted the capacity of the local hospital in Cox’s Bazar district to serve the local community, and supported the establishment of treatment and quarantine centres in the Rohingya camps.