Jeddah, 25 April 2015 : In special ceremonies that took place in several locations over two days in Southern Bangladesh, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) representative Dr. Mohammad Hassan Salem, handed over 10 Schools-cum-Cyclone Shelters, as part of the first phase of the Fael Khair Program in Bangladesh which was donated by the Late King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz (may Allah have mercy on him). The Handing Over ceremonies were attended by high ranking local government officials, including
representatives of Primary and Secondary education, Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), School administrators and local community leaders.

These state-of-the-art buildings are part of a long cherished dream of the local population. Each building, apart from serving as a modern school for 240 students, will also give shelter to 2,000 people and 500 heads of cattle during cyclones, which afflict Bangladesh from time to time.

It may be recalled that late King Abdullah, had requested not to reveal his name while donating USD 130 million for providing relief and assistance to the victims of cyclone Sidr as follows: (i) USD 110 million for the construction of a number of School-cum-Cyclone Shelters in the coastal belt of Bangladesh; and (ii) USD 20 million Waqf for providing urgent relief and rehabilitation in the form of agricultural and other inputs to the affected population.

According to an MOU signed with the Bangladesh Government on 12 May 2008, the IDB is responsible for the implementation of the program, with the Government providing all necessary assistance to ensure its completion within the prescribed time.

The schools-cum-shelter buildings have been designed to withstand top wind speeds of up to 260km per hour. These facilities are designed as “green” buildings equipped with durable school furniture, solar power and potable water supply system, including rain water harvesting which provides safe drinking water in this saline belt where safe drinking water is a priceless commodity, especially during calamities.

The total number of Schools-cum-Cyclone Shelters is expected to reach 178 at project completion.