Denmark will contribute an additional Tk 65 crore (approximately DKK 50 million) to the Government of Bangladesh to support the Rohingya crisis and address the adverse implications of the crisis on the host communities in Cox's Bazar.

Yesterday, a signing ceremony titled "Amendment to the Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Government of Bangladesh" was held at a conference room in Bangladesh Planning Commission in Agargaon, Dhaka. 

Additional Secretary, Economic Relations Division of the Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh, Sultana Afroz and Danish Ambassador Winnie Estrup Petersen signed the agreement on behalf of their respective governments.

Last year, Denmark provided DKK 33 million under the same agreement and this year they are adding DKK 50 million – bringing the total to 83 million, said officials. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sultana Afroz said, "The agreement we have signed today is to address the humanitarian crisis in Cox's Bazar caused by the Rohingya influx. We are thankful to have the support of the Danish government."

The Danish ambassador expressed her appreciation of the Bangladesh government, hoping that the treaty will fulfil its purpose.   

The cooperation is outlined in a Bangladesh Country Programme, which is formulated every five years in response to Bangladesh's overall development priorities while matching Danish policy priorities and past development experiences.

The current Bangladesh Country Programme is for the timeframe of 2016-2021, and is part of a broad partnership between the two governments covering diplomacy, dialogue, development and trade. It was for a total of Tk 783 crore (DDK 615 million) with Denmark's contribution of Tk 426 crore (DKK 335 Million) and Bangladesh's contribution of Tk 357 crore.

It covers three thematic programmes: Agricultural Growth and Employment, Climate Resilience and Sustainable Energy, Governance and Rights. The money will be used under the first two thematic programmes.