Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday visited Bangladesh's Jute Pavilion at the Green Zone of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, where he spoke with a group of students from the University of Chicago and called for joint efforts to protect the environment.

Tarique visited the pavilion around 10am local time, where State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam welcomed him, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

During the visit, the Prime Minister inspected various environment-friendly jute products displayed at the pavilion.

A group of students from the University of Chicago in the United States were also visiting the pavilion at the time.

Tarique spoke with the students and enquired about their interest in Bangladesh's jute products.

The students said they were keen to learn more about the country's environment-friendly jute products and study them further.

The Prime Minister said everyone must work together to protect the environment and ensure that people can live healthy and better lives.

Officials in charge of the pavilion told him that 129 types of jute products, including bags, small accessories, shoes and blazers, were on display.

They said the products were not only environment-friendly but also had strong potential in international markets.

Representatives from different countries had visited the pavilion and shown interest in Bangladesh's jute products, with many expressing interest in importing them, the officials added.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir were also present.