Sheikh Hasina called for practical support to Nepal and stronger regional systems to manage floods, landslides and climate-related disasters.
Hasina expresses sorrow over Nepal tragedy
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on Dhaka to provide all possible practical assistance to Nepal following devastating flash floods that caused widespread loss of life, destruction and displacement.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Hasina conveyed condolences to the families of those killed and expressed solidarity with people waiting for information about missing relatives. She described Nepal as a close friend of Bangladesh, connected through geography, history, culture and regional cooperation.
Hasina recalled her visit to Kathmandu for the fourth BIMSTEC Summit in 2018, saying the warmth and resilience of the Nepali people had left a lasting impression on her. She argued that neighbouring countries have a responsibility to support one another when major disasters strike.
Bangladesh has extensive experience in responding to floods, river erosion, cyclones and other climate-related emergencies. Hasina said that experience should be used to assist Nepal with relief operations and help affected communities begin recovering from the disaster. Her statement referred specifically to the destruction reported in Nepal’s Rasuwa district and areas around Timure, Syabrubesi and Rasuwagadhi.
Saidpur Airport proposed for relief operations
Hasina said Saidpur Airport in northern Bangladesh could be made available as a humanitarian logistics point if the Nepalese government requests its use.
The airport’s northern location could make it useful for coordinating relief materials, emergency equipment and other forms of assistance intended for Nepal. However, any such arrangement would require an official request from Kathmandu and coordination among governments, aviation authorities and humanitarian agencies.
The proposal is intended to provide Nepal with an additional logistics option during relief and recovery operations. It does not mean that the airport has already been activated as an international aid centre.
Bangladesh and Nepal do not share a direct border, as a narrow stretch of Indian territory separates the two countries. Effective use of Saidpur Airport for Nepal-bound assistance would therefore also require appropriate transit and customs arrangements.
Hasina’s proposal highlights the wider importance of transport links and pre-identified logistics facilities during large-scale emergencies, especially when roads, bridges and airports inside a disaster zone are damaged or overwhelmed.
Regional cooperation needed on shared climate threats
Hasina said the Nepal disaster demonstrates how South Asian countries face common risks from climate change, fragile mountain ecosystems, sudden floods, landslides and extreme weather.
These threats can cross national boundaries through shared rivers, mountain systems and weather patterns. A flood, glacial collapse or landslide originating in one country can affect communities and infrastructure far beyond the immediate disaster zone.
She called for stronger regional cooperation on early warning systems, disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, river management, humanitarian response and the exchange of critical data.
Faster sharing of rainfall measurements, river levels, satellite observations and glacial-risk information could give vulnerable communities more time to evacuate. Joint emergency exercises and coordinated relief plans could also reduce delays after a disaster.
The Nepal floods have renewed attention on the vulnerability of Himalayan communities to high-altitude hazards. Scientists have repeatedly warned that warming temperatures can destabilise glaciers, slopes and mountain water systems, increasing the need for stronger monitoring and preparedness.
Bangladesh government also offers assistance
The Bangladesh government headed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman separately expressed solidarity with Nepal and offered support for relief and rescue operations.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry said Dhaka was closely following developments and was ready to assist Kathmandu in any possible way. Nepal welcomed and thanked Bangladesh for the offer of support.
The statements from Bangladesh’s government and its former prime minister reflect broad support for assisting Nepal during the emergency. They also underline the need to turn regional goodwill into practical arrangements for sharing information, transporting supplies and coordinating disaster response. Hasina said Bangladesh stands with Nepal as affected families confront grief and uncertainty. She expressed hope that the country would find the strength and unity required to overcome the tragedy and rebuild damaged communities.
