Dhaka: Bangladesh's newly appointed ambassador to Italy, ATM Rokebul Haque, has emphasized the necessity for a more proactive role from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to ensure the uninterrupted export of agricultural goods during global emergencies and disasters, bypassing any export restrictions imposed by countries. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ambassador also urged the FAO to engage in climate-smart agriculture research and innovation. He made these remarks while presenting his credentials to FAO Director-General QU Dongyu as the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, as stated in a press release today. During the meeting, the ambassador highlighted the connection between the '3 Zeros' of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus - zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emission - and the '4 Betters' vision of FAO Director-General, which includes better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life. The mai n aim of these visions, he noted, is to eradicate hunger globally and promote inclusive development. The ambassador also requested the FAO Director-General to consider implementing Professor Muhammad Yunus's 'Social Business' concept to enhance rural livelihoods. Rokebul Haque pointed out that ongoing transformation and modernization of agricultural infrastructure have progressively increased agricultural production in Bangladesh, despite challenges such as population growth, loss of arable land, natural disasters, and climate change. He urged the FAO to play a more effective role in strengthening the capacity of Bangladesh's agricultural, fisheries, and livestock research institutions. The FAO could also cooperate with Bangladesh to enhance strategic and technical assistance to address climate change impacts, utilize innovation and technology in agriculture, and ensure sustainable agricultural production. The ambassador assured the FAO Director-General of Bangladesh's commitment to maintaining close relat ions with development partner countries and organizations as an elected member of the FAO Council. In response, the FAO Director-General welcomed the ambassador and requested his active participation in all FAO activities as the permanent representative. He also assured FAO's support and collaboration in all plans and programs aimed at achieving food security and agricultural transformation in Bangladesh.
