The World Federation team charged with the Bam Rehabilitation Project undertook its first visit to Bam on 13 January 2004, less than three weeks after the devastating earthquake wrecked havoc to this town in South East Iran.

The delegation set out with the clear objectives of assessing the situation on the ground and ascertaining first hand any urgent relief supplies required.  The team also had the remit to identify mid-term needs that may be met through capital projects that the World Federation can undertake.

The delegation was led by Executive Councillor Mohsin Kanji; who was accompanied by:

• Brother Gulam Virjee a long standing Community worker with experience in handling disaster relief situations like the Gujarat earthquake 
• Brother Askary Khimjee, who besides being multi lingual, has first hand knowledge and experience in building camps and semi-permanent structures. 
• Brother Shafik Pirmohamed, a Dubai Jamaat Committee Member looking after Economic upliftment. 

The delegation was joined in Tehran by Syed Mohamed Ridha Shushtary, the World Federation representative in Qum. 
A special appreciation is due to Syed Hoseini for facilitating the delegation’s visit.

The team departed for Iran on Monday 12 January and travelled to Bam on the 13th spending most of the day assessing the town.  Later that evening several meetings were held with key officials including Hujjatul Islam Asgher Askary, the Imam of Juma’h, a direct appointee & representative of Ayatullah Khamenei; the Mayor of Bam, the Governor of Bam as well as the Commander in Chief of Kirman Province, General Shuja Hyder.  The officials appreciated the visit and noted that this was the first Shia delegation to visit Bam from Overseas.

The next morning a meeting was held in Tehran with Agha Mohamed Hassan Akhtari, the Advisor to Ayatullah Khamenei on International Affairs.  A trip to Qum followed to meet Syed Husayni Bushehri, the Head of Hawzas in Iran along with his planning manager, Alamul Hudda, who is part of the Bam re-building Committee.  The officials expressed their gratitude and asked that this be related to the World Federation’s membership.  Agha Akhtari also noted that Ayatullah Khamenei had high regard for the workings of the World Federation and had often heard him compliment the organisation.

The meetings also helped understand the needs from both the religious leadership point of view, which were very much shared by Government officials.  It was worth noting that the team found piles of unused clothing and footwear, which was delivered as aid.  Truck loads of blankets, tents & medications were also seen waiting to be offloaded. 

The team is compiling a comprehensive report along with a set of recommendations, which it will make available to the Office Bearers before the end of the month, Inshallah.

Mumineen are reminded that the fund for Bam rehabilitation is still open. You may send your donations to your Jamaat or direct to the World Federation. You can also donate online  /