For Immediate Release

November 28, 2007

HURRICANE SIDR VICTIMS’ COMPENSATION FUND LAUNCHED

TO HELP SURVIVING FAMILY MEMBERS

Cincinnati, Ohio, November 28, 2007 – A group in the United States has launched a campaign to raise a $500,000 compensation fund for families of the victims of hurricane Sidr, or at least $100 per fatality, from the Category 4 hurricane that devastated southwestern Bangladesh on November 15, 2007, it was announced today by the  United Bangladesh Appeal (UBA).

“We have modeled our fund after the 911 Funds in order to help some of the surviving families who have been so tragically hit by the hurricane,” said Muhit Rahman, a founder of the UBA.

With wind speeds exceeding 250 kmh (155 mph), the storm and its accompanying surge killed over 3,200 individuals and another 900 are feared missing.  Damage to crops, livestock and property is expected to run into billions of US dollars.   Over 7 million Bangladeshis are suffering from the immediate aftermath of Sidr.

The Sidr Victims’ Compensation Fund intends to make a cash payment of approximately $100 per fatality to surviving family members.  Only direct family members such as spouses, children, parents and siblings are eligible beneficiaries, and funds will be delivered to the closest surviving female head of household.  The fundraising is being conducted by Bangladeshi expatriate groups that have come together under the umbrella of the United Bangladesh Appeal for this purpose.

These groups have already pledged almost $200,000 for the fund.  Partner organizations in Bangladesh will compile a detailed list of the victims and their respective beneficiaries. Both sets of organizations will come together for the actual distribution of funds.  Donated funds may not be used for any purpose other than to compensate Sidr victims.  All administrative, organizational and incidental costs will be borne by the partner organizations.  

For more information, including how to donate to the Sidr Victims’ Compensation Fund, please visit www.unitedbangladeshappeal.org. 

United Bangladesh Appeal is an internet-based umbrella organization created to unify the numerous expatriate Bangladeshi groups under a common goal in times of crisis or need.  Its motto e pluribus unum – ‘many, uniting into one’ – is proudly borrowed from the great seal of the United States.

Contact:         

United Bangladesh Appeal info@...

Global Coordinator: Muhit Rahman, 513-561-0914, Muhit@...

London: Asif Saleh  asif.saleh@...

            New York: Rasheq Rahman, rasheq.rahman@...

            Chicago: Rafiq Ahmed  rahmed111@...

            Madison, WI: Rumi Ahmed  rumi.ahmed@...

            Boston: Mridul Chowdhury  mridulch@...

            Toronto: Nuzhat Rehman nuzhat.rehman@...