United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus returned home early Monday, wrapping up his week-long engagements in Rome, Italy and Doha, Qatar.  A commercial flight carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 3am on Monday after joining the funeral mass of Pope Francis at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on Saturday. SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, among others, accompanied the Chief Adviser during the funeral of Pope Francis, who, according to Prof Yunus, was an "amazing" human being. The Chief Adviser left Rome for home on Sunday, a day after joining the funeral mass of Pope Francis at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Prof Yunus visited Rome from Doha, Qatar, wrapping up his four-day official visit where he attended the Earthna Summit and had a series of meetings with the Qatari leadership, including the Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. On Friday, the Chief Adviser flew directly to Rome to pay his last respects to his old friend Pope Francis. Meanwhile, senior leaders of the Catholic Church — Cardinal Silvano Maria Tomasi and Cardinal Jacob Koovakad — met separately with Prof Yunus on Saturday shortly after the Funeral Mass of Pope Francis. The two cardinals recalled Pope Francis’s lifelong mission to champion the causes of the poor and marginalised, his efforts to eradicate poverty, and his vision of a world without war or nuclear weapons. They deeply appreciated Professor Yunus’ work, describing him as a close friend of the late Pope and thanking him for dedicating his life to the fight against poverty. Dhaka wants regional peace; prefers Delhi-Islamabad talks to ease tensions Professor Yunus reminisced about his long association with Pope Francis, saying the Pope had the ability to embrace everyone, regardless of their religious background. Over 300 hospitals in Barishal to digitise treatment for children through Save the Children’s Health Application  He recalled meeting Pope Francis many times during his pontificate and highlighted how one of his critical letters to the Holy See — addressing the need to reform the Vatican Bank — was published on the front page of the Vatican’s official newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano. "I wrote about how the Vatican should reform its bank to make it more friendly to the poor. I was critical of its performance and controversies. Yet, the Pope published the entire letter," he said. Prof Yunus shared how Pope Francis appointed him to chair several committees focused on reforming the Vatican’s banking practices and expanding the Church’s pro-poor initiatives. In November, the Vatican launched the Pope Francis–Yunus Three Zero Clubs in Rome, aimed at promoting Professor Yunus’s vision of a world with zero unemployment, zero wealth concentration, and zero net carbon emissions. "I am a Muslim. Yet Pope Francis never objected to his name being used alongside a person from a different faith," Professor Yunus noted. Prof Yunus scheduled to return home early Monday He also recounted being honored with the Torch of St. Francis of Assisi by the Catholic Church for embodying the spirit of the 13th-century Italian mystic and saint. "He never treated me as an outsider," Professor Yunus said, reflecting on his rich memories with the late Pope. Cardinal Tomasi and Cardinal Koovakad mentioned that the College of Cardinals, of which they are key members, will meet next week to elect the next Pope. Both cardinals are seen as potential candidates for the Church’s top leadership position. Meeting with Cardinal Tomasi Cardinal Tomasi, a longtime former Permanent Observer of the Holy See in the UN offices in Geneva, called on the Chief Adviser on Saturday. Cardinal Tomasi, who recently visited Southeast Asia, discussed geopolitical issues with the Chief Adviser. Both leaders praised Pope Francis’s efforts to call for an end to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. "Southeast Asia is evolving too fast," he said, reflecting on his visit to Vietnam, which has been clocking robust growth in recent years. He stressed more peace-building measures in the region and staying calm in times of tension. Professor Yunus also praised Vietnam's spectacular economic growth, saying his government was trying to emulate the South Asian nation in its efforts to attract more foreign investments and turn Bangladesh into an economic hub. Cardinal Tomasi said he hoped the next Pope would "keep the informality of Pope Francis" and "promote dialogue of peace among countries."   Meeting with Cardinal Jacob Koovakad Earlier in the afternoon, Cardinal Koovakad, who is the Vatican Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, called on the Chief Adviser at his hotel in Rome. Cardinal Koovakad, who is from the Indian state of Kerala, announced that the Catholic Church in Bangladesh would host an interfaith dialogue in September this year, bringing together leaders from various religions. Professor Yunus emphasised the importance of continued dialogue among people of different faiths in Bangladesh. Dhaka-Mymensingh rail connection restored after 2-hr blockade He highlighted the country's commitment to religious harmony and the interim government’s efforts to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, creed, color, or gender.      

A distinguished luncheon in Doha, hosted by KM Mozibul Hoque, Chairman of Total Aviation Systems (TAS) and Honorary Consul of Yemen, brought together leading figures from aerospace, diplomacy, and global development in a cross-sector dialogue on innovation and strategic collaboration. The gathering featured a high-profile lineup including Lauren Dreyer, vice president of SpaceX, who is instrumental in advancing space technology in Bangladesh; Nevvena, vice president of Philip Morris International (PMI), known for her role in global business transformation; and Richard Griffiths, senior adviser to Elon Musk, who shared perspectives on leadership and innovation linking Bangladesh to the global stage. Qatar Foundation pledges support for female athletes in Bangladesh “Gatherings like this allow us to exchange not only ideas but values—paving the way for collaboration that transcends industries and nations,” said Mozibul Hoque. Also in attendance were Kristina Murrin, CEO of The King Charles Foundation, with a focus on sustainable development and social change in Bangladesh, and Prof Luis G Franceschi, assistant secretary-general of the Commonwealth, recognised for his work in promoting democratic governance and international cooperation. The luncheon — held in Qatar’s dynamic capital — highlighted Doha’s emerging status as a global centre for strategic engagement and diplomacy.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday spelled out seven suggestions, which she earned from the experience of her life, among the students of Qatar for becoming the future leaders. “I would like to share a few suggestions for future leaders from my life’s experience and struggles: 1st: Represent a value, 2nd: Remain focused on your vision, 3rd: Make concrete plans to realize your vision, 4th: Lead by example and be the change-maker, 5th: Trust your people and team, 6th: Invoke your maternal spirit, and 7th: Embrace the new and the future,” she said. She made the suggestions while delivering her speech before the students of Qatar University at its Research Complex auditorium in Doha.  The theme of the event 'A session with  Prime Minister of Bangladesh' was “Bangladesh: a Development Model: Learning from Sheikh Hasina.” Focusing on the history and recent development of Bangladesh, Hasina told the students that Bangladesh territory was once a land of opulence and prosperity. It was mercilessly exploited and robbed by the colonial rulers till 1947, when undivided India was partitioned, and then by the Pakistanis.  The PM said the prevalence of famine, extreme poverty, starvation, malnutrition, deaths, etc. was rampant in this territory due to the lack of commitment of the rulers towards the general masses, she said. After a long struggle for 23 years and a nine-month war of independence under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh was born as an independent country in 1971, she said. PM Hasina said her government managed to build a solid foundation for Bangladesh’s socio-economic transformation during her first regime from 1996 to 2001. As her party got re-elected to office in December 2008 and then for two more consecutive terms, they got Bangladesh ready in the last fourteen and a half years for what her father had wished for—a happy and prosperous ‘Golden Bangladesh.’ “In 2015, Bangladesh became a lower middle-income country, and we envision it becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2031 and a high-income one by 2041. Meanwhile, we have been qualified to graduate to a developing country by 2026 from the LDC category,” she said.  She said Bangladesh has made impressive progress in almost all socio-economic fields and shed some light on the development of a few areas like economic development and poverty alleviation, education and knowledge-based society, and women's empowerment. “Bangladesh is now the world’s 35th largest economy, with a GDP of USD 460.75 billion. In 2005–06, the GDP size was only USD 60 billion. Per capita income was USD 543 in 2006, which increased to USD 2,824 in 2022. The headcount poverty rate was 41.5 percent in 2005–06, while the current poverty rate has come down to 18.7 percent and the extreme poverty rate to 5.6 percent,” she said. In fiscal year 2005-06, the size of the country's national budget was BDT 610.5 billion. In the financial year 2022–23, the size of the budget is BDT 6.78 trillion. In the fiscal year 2005–06, export earnings were USD 10.52 billion, while in 2021–2022, they increased to USD 52 billion, she said. Bangladesh's economy grew at an average of 6.5 percent over the past one and a half decades, and before the pandemic struck, it grew at 8.15 percent in the 2018–19 fiscal year, she added. “We have made impressive gains in food security, free and affordable housing, community healthcare, compulsory primary education, women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, digital services, access to electricity, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation,” said the PM. Besides, she focused on Ashrayan scheme being implemented to provide free houses for homeless families, establishment of over 18,000 community clinics and rural health centers to provide primary healthcare services, expansion of social safety net to support the poor and marginalized sections of society and development in education sector.  “We want to build a knowledge-based, SMART Bangladesh. In SMART Bangladesh, there will be a smart government, a smart economy, a smart population, a smart society, and smart manpower. People will be made skilled in using digital devices so that they can contribute to the fourth industrial revolution,” she said. About women education, she said her government gave priority to women's education. “After a decade’s efforts, we now rank the highest in South Asia in reducing gender disparity….. We have gender parity in favour of our girls in our primary and secondary education,” she said.   Talking about women empowerment, she said, “We are among the world’s top ten nations for women’s political empowerment. Bangladesh is perhaps the only country where the Prime Minister, Speaker of the Parliament, Leader of the Opposition, and Deputy Leader of the House are all women. We have 33% reserved seats for our women in the local government bodies. I made it a point to break all glass ceilings by placing our deserving women in top leadership positions everywhere.”   Also read: PM joins opening session of Qatar Economic Forum The premier said today’s Bangladesh is a changed Bangladesh. “It is dubbed as a role model for development. Hunger, poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy, etc. are vanishing fast. Our hard-earned development in the country is not a miracle. It is the collective work of our men and women. I have only tried to guide them in the desired direction. However, it was not an easy journey to reach today’s position. I have had to undergo huge ordeals and persecution throughout my life,” she said. Speaking of the ordeals and persecution, Hasina said she continued her struggle only to change the fates of her countrymen. “I shall continue to do so as long as I live, Insha Allah. My dream is to turn our delta into a land of prosperity once again,” said the PM.  Hasina arrived here on Monday on a three-day official visit to attend the Qatar Economic Forum-2023 at the invitation of Qatar Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.  

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina joined the opening session of the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum here in Doha on Tuesday (May 23, 2023) morning. The forum is being held at Fairmont & Raffles hotels in Lusail city on May 23-25. Sheikh Hasina arrived here on Monday to attend the forum at the invitation of Qatar Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Also read: Qatar Economic Forum 2023: PM to leave for Doha this afternoon The main objective of the forum is to find a solution by increasing mutual cooperation among the international community to deal with the multi-faceted challenges and crises going on globally and the adverse economic consequences arising from them. Later on Tuesday, she will deliver her speech before the students of Qatar University, have meetings separately with Prime Minister of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, President of Rwanda Paul Kagame, Minister of State for Energy Affairs of Qatar Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi and Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid A. Al-Falih, and attend Qatar Economic Forum Gala Dinner. Also read: PM Hasina likely to attend Qatar Economic Forum May 23-25

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday (May 22, 2023) said the two-time visits by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Qatar within three months this year bear the sign of Bangladesh's visible presence in the international economic arena as well as its close friendly relations with Qatar. He made the remarks at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hours ahead of the Prime Minister’s departure for Doha to attend Qatar Economic Forum-2023. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin, among others, was present. This forum will focus on nine important contemporary issues, Dr Momen said. These issues include energy security; technology and innovation; changing market systems; innovation in the health sector; climate finance; trade strategies and arrangements; manpower in the fourth industrial revolution; sports in the digital world; and the future of foreign investment, he said. Read more: ‘Very strange, no source mentioned’: Momen on report claiming new sanctions are coming According to the organizers, prominent economists and leading business leaders of the world will participate in the discussion on these issues. In addition to Minister Momen, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Private Industry and Investment; State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources along with senior government officials will participate. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka for Doha on Monday afternoon on a three-day official visit to attend the Qatar Economic Forum 2023 at the invitation of Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. A VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airline, carrying the premier and her entourage, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 3:13 pm. Read more: Qatar Economic Forum 2023: PM to leave for Doha this afternoon The flight is scheduled to land at Hamad International Airport at 6:00pm local time (9:00pm Bangladesh Time). The Prime Minister will attend the Forum titled “3rd Qatar Economic Forum: A New Global Growth Story” to be held on May 23-25. The Qatar Economic Forum is the Middle East's leading voice dedicated to global business and investment. The main objective of this forum is to find a solution by increasing mutual cooperation among the international community to deal with the multi-faceted challenges and crises going on globally and the adverse economic consequences arising from them. Read more: PM Hasina to leave for Doha on Monday to attend Qatar Economic Forum 2023 On May 23, Hasina will join the opening session of the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum, address the students of Qatar University in Doha, and hold meetings separately with Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi and Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia Khalid A. Al-Falih. On May 24, the PM will join the forum, have a meeting with the emir of Qatar at Amiri Diwan and visit Awsaj Academy (a specialized school). PM Hasina is expected to return home in the morning of May 25. Read more: PM Hasina likely to attend Qatar Economic Forum May 23-25

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka for Doha on Monday (May 22, 2023) afternoon on a three-day official visit to attend the Qatar Economic Forum 2023 at the invitation of Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. A regular commercial flight of , Biman Bangladesh Airline, carrying the premier and her entourage, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 3:13 pm. The flight is scheduled to land at Hamad International Airport at 6:00pm local time (9:00pm Bangladesh Time). The Prime Minister will attend the Forum titled “3rd Qatar Economic Forum: A New Global Growth Story” to be held on May 23-25. Read more: Qatar Economic Forum 2023: PM to leave for Doha this afternoon The Qatar Economic Forum is the Middle East's leading voice dedicated to global business and investment. The main objective of this forum is to find a solution by increasing mutual cooperation among the international community to deal with the multi-faceted challenges and crises going on globally and the adverse economic consequences arising from them. On May 23, Hasina will join the opening session of the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum, address the students of Qatar University in Doha, and hold meetings separately with Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi and Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia Khalid A. Al-Falih. On May 24, the PM will join the forum, have a meeting with the emir of Qatar at Amiri Diwan and visit Awsaj Academy (a specialized school). PM Hasina is expected to return home in the morning of May 25. Read more: PM’s 2nd visit to Qatar in 3 months bears sign of Bangladesh's visible presence in int’l arena: Momen

Bangladesh's will leave Dhaka for Doha this (May 22) afternoon on a three-day official visit to attend the Qatar Economic Forum 2023 at the invitation of Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. A VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, carrying the premier and her entourage, will depart Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 3 pm. The flight is scheduled to land at Hamad International Airport in Doha at 6 pm local time (9 pm Bangladesh Time). Also Read: PM Hasina to leave for Doha on Monday to attend Qatar Economic Forum 2023 The Prime Minister will attend the Forum, titled “3rd Qatar Economic Forum: A New Global Growth Story”, to be held on May 23-25. The Qatar Economic Forum is the Middle East's leading voice dedicated to global business and investment. The main objective of this forum is to find a solution by increasing mutual cooperation among the international community to deal with the multi-faceted challenges, global crises and the adverse economic consequences arising from them. Also Read: PM Hasina to attend Qatar Economic Forum May 23-25 On May 23, Sheikh Hasina will join the opening session of the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum, address students of Qatar University in Doha, and hold meetings separately with Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi and Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia Khalid A. Al-Falih. On May 24, the PM will join the forum, have a meeting with Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (at Amiri Diwan) and visit Awsaj Academy (a specialized school).   PM Sheikh Hasina is expected to return to Dhaka in the morning of May 25, leaving Doha the previous night. Read more: Bangladesh signs MoU with Qatar Fund for Development

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will leave Dhaka for Doha on Monday on a three-day official visit to attend the Qatar Economic Forum 2023 to be held on May 23-25. A VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airline, carrying the premier and her entourage, will depart Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 3:00 pm. The flight is scheduled to land at Hamad International Airport at 6:00pm local time (9:00pm Bangladesh Time). Also Read: PM Hasina to attend Qatar Economic Forum May 23-25 The Prime Minister will attend the Forum titled “3rd Qatar Economic Forum: A New Global Growth Story” at the invitation of Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Qatar Economic Forum is the Middle East's leading voice dedicated to global business and investment. The main objective of this forum is to find a solution by increasing mutual cooperation among the international community to deal with the multi-faceted challenges and crises going on globally and the adverse economic consequences arising from them. On May 23, Sheikh Hasina will join the opening session of the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum, address the students of Qatar University in Doha, and hold meetings separately with Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi and Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia Khalid A. Al-Falih. On May 24, the PM will join the forum, have a meeting with Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (at Amiri Diwan) and visit Awsaj Academy (a specialized school).   Sheikh Hasina is expected to return home in the morning of May 25, leaving Doha the previous night.    

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday (March 06, 2023) asked Bangladeshi diplomats to play an active role in strengthening economic diplomacy in order to sustain the country’s graduation to the developing status through enhancing trade and export with different countries. “Bangladeshi diplomats working in different countries will have to be active in strengthening economic diplomacy alongside brightening the image of the country,” she said. The premier gave the directive at a regional envoy conference, held at her place of residence in Doha, with participation of Bangladeshi diplomats stationed in the Middle Eastern countries. She said since Bangladesh is going to graduate to a developing country, attention is needed on countries where Bangladesh could enhance its trade and business. Read more: Qatar Foundation Chair Nasser meets PM “You will have to discuss and negotiate with all the countries, so that we can sustain as a developing country, move forward, and can finally graduate to a developed country,” she said.    Sheikh Hasina said once diplomacy was a political issue, and now it is an economic issue. “So, those of us who are working (in different countries) will have to identify trade and business opportunities there so that we can boost our exports and import goods at competitive prices.”   “Identify the places where there is demand for our products and where we have the scope to market our goods,” she added. Referring to the policy of Bangladesh to maintain good relations with all countries, the PM reiterated the cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy is ‘friendship to all, malice towards none.’ Read More: Bangladesh open to Qatar’s investment in energy sector: PM tells Doha Investment Summit The premier said Bangladesh would maintain friendly relations with everyone. But when injustice is done, Bangladesh will definitely speak out while maintaining friendly relations, as it did with Myanmar. “…We gave shelter to the Rohingyas on humanitarian grounds, but we did not engage in conflict with Myanmar. Bangladesh is making diplomatic efforts to send the Rohingyas back to their homeland,” she said. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni and Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, among others, were present at the conference. The Prime Minister is now visiting Qatar to attend the Fifth United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC-5). She arrived in Qatar last Saturday at the invitation of Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh is scheduled to leave here for Dhaka on Wednesday. Read More: PM Sheikh Hasina arrives in Qatar to join UN conference on LDCs.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (March 06, 2023) sought five key support from development partners to ensure a smart, innovative and knowledge-based society that will help to promote peace and inclusivity. The prime minister made the call at a side event, titled “Investment in Research and Development in LDCs for Smart and Innovative Societies”, at the 5th UN LDC Conference held at Qatar National Convention Center. Read More: LDC5 Conference: PM Hasina leaves Dhaka for Doha The key supports are: 1. Provide appropriate incentives to the international private sector for impactful technology transfer to LDCs, including for climate action. 2. Invest in digital infrastructures to reduce broadband divide and tech discrimination in LDCs. 3. Foster collaboration among research professionals and institutes to address issues and challenges facing LDCs. 4. Continuation of LDC waivers under TRIPS Agreement, also beyond graduation, especially for pharmaceuticals and agro-chemicals. 5. Support in developing an intellectual property regime conducive to both innovation and development in LDCs. Read more: Bangladesh open to Qatar’s investment in energy sector: PM tells Doha Investment Summit She also apprised the participants of her goal to go much further, to the next vision — ‘Smart Bangladesh’ by 2041. “It will be based on four core elements: Smart Citizen, Smart Government, Smart Society and Smart Economy,” she said. Sheikh Hasina said that in 2009, when her government made a pledge to the people to build a ‘Digital Bangladesh’ by 2021, at the time, it sounded like a tall order. “But, the Covid-19 pandemic proved that we could fulfill that pledge.” Read More: Graduating LDCs want to make sure growth momentum isn’t slowed down: PM in Doha conference She said that the pandemic reminded all that LDCs cannot wait to invest in scientific research and technological innovation. “Such investments are a must for advancing their economies through productive capacity building,” she said. She mentioned that LDCs average GDP expenditure for research and development still remains below 0.6 percent. Only a handful of them feature in the Global Innovation Index. “But, LDCs cannot afford to lag behind with the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Our young people should be made part of the future of work. We need meaningful global partnership for that,” she said. Read More: Private sector should prepare to face challenges of LDC graduation, FBCCI president says at AGM Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh qualified for LDC graduation in 2021 under all three criteria. “We are now preparing for graduation in 2026. During this transition, investment in science, technology and innovation is a priority for our government. We are working with the UN Technology Bank for LDCs on a national needs assessment,” she said. She said that the government attaches importance to promoting a scientific mindset in the education system. “We have established a host of science and technology universities and specialized institutes around the country,” she said. Read More: Switzerland to work with all Bangladeshi stakeholders for a ‘smooth, inclusive, sustainable’ LDC graduation Sheikh Hasina said that the government has introduced the Bangabandhu Science and Technology Fellowship and National Science and Technology Fellowship. The PM said that the new focus on blended education is aimed at developing IT skills for all. In this regard, she said that Sheikh Russel Digital Labs and Schools of Future are being set up across educational institutions. Bangladesh now has the world’s second largest community of registered IT freelancers. A new Institute of Frontier Technology is in the making for supporting high-end research and development. She mentioned that following the launch of Bangabandhu-I communication satellite, the government is now planning for an earth observation satellite. Read More: PM Sheikh Hasina arrives in Qatar to join UN conference on LDCs “Bangladesh had to invest in improving early warning and weather forecast systems to drastically reduce natural disaster risks,” she added. Sheikh Hasina said that the government has worked on home-grown climate adaptation measures, including through technological applications. “We also need access to mitigation technologies to further curb greenhouse gas emissions. Our government is building two nuclear power plants as part of a clean energy transition. We aim to increase our share of renewable energy, preferably with floating solar panels, offshore wind turbines and green hydrogen.” She said that the government has given emphasis on supporting agricultural research which made it possible for Bangladesh to combat hunger and become largely food secure. Read More: Int'l community must renew commitment for real structural transformation in LDCs: PM in Doha conference “We are investing further in making our agriculture and livestock environment-friendly. We stand ready to share our good practices with other LDCs through various means, including contract farming.” Talking about the government's present focus on enhancing scope for medical research, she said, climate change’s impacts on public health are being manifested through new disease burdens. “We must have international collaboration for research in neglected tropical diseases. We urgently need investments in developing new treatments for antimicrobial resistance,” the PM said.