Air chief hands over report on Sidr relief operation to president

Chief of Bangladesh Air Force Air Marshal Shah Mohammad Ziaur Rahman yesterday called on President Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban and handed over a report on Sidr relief operation by the air force.
During the call on, air chief apprised the president of different aspects of the relief operation and post cyclone rehabilitation work including establishing cyclone monitoring cell, arranging reconnaissance and observation flight, relief operation, transportation of relief material by helicopters and transport aircraft and other supporting activities.
He said Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) responded to the call of the nation immediately after the cyclone hit and met the distressed people's requirement for immediate assistance and safety and had successfully conducted the relief operation so far.
Air chief briefed the president that the BAF involved a total of 18 helicopters, three transport aircraft and 2500 personnel in the relief operation and carried a total of 68,00,20kgs of relief materials for the cyclone survivals to the remote Sidr-hit areas.
He also briefed the president about some recommendations of the air force including enhancing Barisal Airfield facilities, procurement of new aircraft, improvement of existing helipads for more smooth and efficient disaster management in the country as natural calamity like flood, cyclone and drought visit the country almost every year.
The president praised the armed forces including the BAF for successful Sidr relief and rehabilitation operation.
Iajuddin said the relief operation by the members of the armed forces helped significantly reduce damages to the property and life in Sidr-hit areas.
Military Secretary to the president Major General Mohd Aminul Karim, Secretary Md Sirajul Islam and Press Secretary Abdul Awal Howlader were present during the meeting.