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Clinton to announce $97m worth food aid to BD

NEW DELHI: US President Bill Clinton is to announce 97 million dollars in new food assistance to Bangladesh that will include funds for reforestation, water systems and rebuilding schools, the White House said Sunday.

A 74-million-dollar USAID grant will allow for the programming of 335,000 tonnes of wheat and other food commodities to implement food for work activities, said a statement issued in New Delhi, where Clinton began a six-day tour of South Asia.

The US Agricultural Department will also provide Bangladesh with 60,000 tonnes of soybean oil this year and fund the cost of transporting the food.

The President, who will make the first official visit since Bangladesh won independence in 1971, will also unveil an 84 million dollar programme to promote clean energy initiatives for Bangladesh, India and Nepal. AFP