External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee made these announcements as he handed over a fresh consignment of Indian relief material to Bangladesh's Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Chowdhury at the Zia International Airport soon after his arrival for a day-long visit.

He noted India has already supplied relief material, including medicines, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, tents and portable water purifiers worth about Rs 6 crore since the cyclone 'Sidr' struck Bangladesh on November 15, killing around 3,500 people besides causing widespread devastation.

"India has always attached high importance to its relations with Bangladesh. It is, therefore, but natural that, like always, we stand by Bangladesh in its efforts to rebuild the lives of those affected by the cyclone," Mukherjee said.

"I have come in a situation which is painful for the people of Bangladesh and all of us," he said as he expressed ‘deep sadness’ on behalf of Indian government and people over the tragedy that struck the friendly neighbour.

Given the magnitude of the natural calamity, he said, India has decided to waive the ban on export of rice to Bangladesh for additional 5 lakh tonnes.

India has already announced waiver of ban on export of rice to Bangladesh for 50,000 tonnes, Mukherjee said.