Briefing of Foreign Diplomats: Momen seeks global support for dev goals
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen yesterday sought global support through “close partnership and collaboration” to achieve Bangladesh’s development goals by addressing challenges ahead, including a solution to the Rohingya crisis.
“I believe in partnership… I believe in collaboration. We need your help and support to achieve our goals,” he told foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka at a function titled “Special Briefing on Contemporary Political Issues” at a city hotel.
The international affairs sub-committee of Bangladesh Awami League arranged the briefing for diplomats.
Committee secretary Dr Shammi Ahmed delivered the welcome address, ahead of a question-answer session. Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, president of the committee, former ambassador M Zamir and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Shah Ali Farhad were present, among others.
Momen described challenges ahead for Bangladesh -- including climate change -- and sought the international community’s support to address those.
He said Bangladesh seeks close partnership and collaboration from the global community, as its resources are not adequate.
On the Rohingya issue, he urged the international community to put more pressure on Myanmar and use their leverage so that the country takes back its nationals from Bangladesh.
He said the longer stay of Rohingyas in Bangladesh might create pockets of radicalism, posing threats to Bangladesh and beyond.
Dr Momen laid emphasis on the voluntary return of Rohingyas to their homes in Rakhine state with safety, security and dignity, terming it the only solution to the crisis.
Bangladesh, as one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change, has also become one of the most resilient countries, he said.
A one-metre rise in sea-level is likely to uproot nearly 30 million people of Bangladesh and climate vulnerability is costing nearly between one and three percent of the country’s annual GDP growth rate, the minister told the meeting.
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