Bangladesh has suggested the World Food Programme (WFP) to set up a Regional Food Bank in South Asia as a strategic reserve for the region. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen shared the concerns over food insecurity around the world when newly appointed Country Director of WFP Domenico Scalpelli presented his credentials to him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. He urged the WFP to enhance its focus on the issue of nutrition as part of its various programmes carried out in collaboration with the Government. Also read: Dhaka approached Swiss banks about deposit of Bangladeshi money: Momen Momen urged the WFP and other UN agencies operating in Myanmar’s Rakhine State to help create an environment conducive to the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas, now sheltered in Bangladesh, to Myanmar. Scalpelli appreciated Bangladesh’s generosity to host the forcibly displaced Rohingya and urged the Foreign Minister to impress upon the international community to continue support for WFP’s much-needed work in the humanitarian crisis. Also read: A high-profile Saudi delegation to visit Bangladesh soon to discuss energy cooperation: Envoy The Foreign Minister recalled his last meeting with the WFP Executive Director David M Beasely, and thanked WFP for commencing work in support of the Rohingya relocated to Bhashan Char. The WFP Country Representative informed the Foreign Minister about his upcoming trip to Bhashan Char, and thanked the government for providing support to WFP staff with accommodation, transportation and other facilities there. The WFP Country Representative thanked Bangladesh for providing leadership of its Executive Board at a critical time for the international community. The Foreign Minister assured Scalpelli of necessary cooperation from the government in effectively discharging his mandate.

Unicef Executive Director Henrietta Fore has sought immediate action in South Asia to clean the air for children saying around 620 million children in the region breathe polluted, toxic air.