Though there is no report of any Bangladeshi being killed or injured, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Thursday said Bangladesh is ready to take appropriate steps to bring back Bangladeshi nationals from Nepal if anyone is found to have been affected.

Asked whether Bangladeshis have been affected by the disaster, Dr Khalilur said Bangladesh has specifically informed Nepal that if any Bangladeshi nationals are found affected - whether alive or dead - Dhaka would extend full cooperation and take appropriate measures to bring them back.

“There were foreign tourists there when the incident happened,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noting that the government has not yet received any names or confirmed information about Bangladeshi casualties.

At least 270 people have been killed and hundreds more are missing after a flash flood and mudslide along the Nepal-Tibet border washed away villages and damaged roads and infrastructure.

The flood hit early on Wednesday in Rasuwa, just north of Nepal's capital Kathmandu, with the US Geological Survey confirming that it was caused by a glacial collapse and debris flow.

“So far, there is no report of any Bangladeshi that died or got injured in this disaster. However, some Bangladeshis got stuck on the highway (Kathmandu-Pokhara) due to a temporary road blockage, which they finally overcame, reaching their destinations,” a diplomat stationed in Bangladesh Mission, Kathmandu told UNB.

The Foreign Minister had a telephone conversation with Nepalese Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal over the tragic floods in Nepal and conveyed the personal condolence message of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah. “We have offered them all-out cooperation,” he said.

Asked whether any flights has been kept ready for a possible evacuation or repatriation, Dr Khalilur said such arrangements could not be made in advance without knowing the situation and Nepal's requirements. “We are ready,” he said.

The Foreign Minister reiterated that Bangladesh would take necessary measures as soon as confirmed information about affected Bangladeshi nationals becomes available.

On behalf of the people and government of Bangladesh, the Foreign Minister expressed his deepest condolences and profound sorrow over the devastating flash floods and landslides that have struck Nepal.

Terrible Tragedy

Terming it a “terrible tragedy”, Dr Khalilur said Bangladesh’s thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones.

He mentioned that so far there has been no reported casualty of any Bangladeshi national and sought the Government of Nepal’s support in case any such unfortunate incident is discovered, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Foreign Minister also conveyed that the Prime Minister of Bangladesh stands in full solidarity with the government and people of Nepal at this very difficult time and that Bangladesh is ready to provide any support as required by Nepal.

Dr Khalilur said the Nepali government is still assessing the extent of the damage and determining what kind of assistance is required.

The Nepali Foreign Minister is expected to inform Bangladesh about the situation and any specific needs later today or tomorrow (Friday), he said.

The Nepalese Foreign Minister thanked Bangladesh for the warm gesture of solidarity at this difficult hour.

He said the Nepalese authorities were still assessing the damage and would get back to Bangladesh on specific needs after a full assessment of the grave situation, should they require any support.

On the occasion, the two Foreign Ministers discussed the ongoing search, rescue and relief efforts in the wake of the disaster.

Dr Khalilur said Bangladesh is prepared to respond once Nepal provides details of the assistance required.

He also said the Nepali Foreign Minister had expressed a similar commitment to cooperate with Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu has been following up on developments and assessing the post-flood situation in contact with the Foreign Ministry of Nepal, a senior official told UNB.

The Embassy has conveyed the condolences and solidarity of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with the government and resilient people of Nepal, as well as the keen desire and willingness of his government to extend any kind of assistance and support required, including relief materials for flood-affected people.