The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is urged to organize help for the victims of the tsunami-battered countries.

The SAARC countries have a special responsibility to do everything possible to help the people of this region, The New Nation said in a commentary Wednesday.

At least three members -- India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives -- of the seven-nation SAARC are among the hardest hit by the Dec. 26Asian tsunami, that has so far been reported to have claimed around 200,000 lives and rendered millions more homeless.

The commentary said that in this context there is a urgent need for convening a SAARC meeting at foreign minister's level to evolve a way of collectively helping millions of men, women and children at this time.

The global response to the world's worst natural disaster in the past 40 years is, no doubt, very encouraging with the United Nations, the United States and other developed nations and aid agencies coming up with huge financial and material assistance.

The SAARC countries including Bangladesh are not lagging behind in expressing their solidarity with and extending their hands of support to the fellow victim nations, the commentary said. India, despite its own heavy distress from the tsunami, has already sent rescue and relief teams to the Maldives. Bangladesh has sent two expert teams comprising defense personnel to Sri Landa and Maldives to join international rescue and relief operations, it said.

Bangladesh can now take initiative to organize SAARC joint efforts to offer whatever help is possible.

Now is the time for SAARC countries not only to help each other but also help other countries of this region, as SAARC countries have strong ties with the Asian countries affected by the worst human tragedy.

The people of SAARC countries know better the needs of the affected men, women and children of this region, the commentary said, adding SAARC governments and peoples must express their special concern and close solidarity with the distressed nations of this region.
 
(Xinhua News Agency January 5, 2005)