Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today emphasized the necessity of advancing food security alongside environmentally sustainable agriculture and enhanced climate resilience. She made these remarks during a meeting with World Food Programme (WFP) Resident Representative and Country Director in Bangladesh, Coco H. Ushiyama, at the foreign ministry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state minister expressed gratitude for WFP's longstanding cooperation with Bangladesh, particularly in areas of food security, nutrition, social protection, and humanitarian assistance. She extended her thanks for WFP's continued support to the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, known as Rohingyas, who are temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh despite existing resource constraints.
She underscored the importance of sustained international support to ensure uninterrupted food and nutrition assistance for the Rohingya community. Shama also praised WFP's contribution to Bangladesh's School Meals Programme and emphasized the significance of capacity-building initiatives to bolster the country's food security.
Highlighting the government's priorities, Shama stressed the promotion of environmentally sustainable agriculture, citing a nationwide tree-plantation initiative as part of broader efforts towards environmental sustainability and climate resilience. She sought WFP's support for government initiatives within its operational mandate, such as the Family Card Programme, and called for enhanced cooperation to help Bangladesh achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the stipulated timeframe.
Ushiyama stated that WFP is addressing key drivers of hunger and growing vulnerabilities due to climate change impacts on agriculture, food security, and nutrition, particularly among women and children. She informed the state minister about WFP's ongoing activities in Khulna Division and Habiganj district, focusing on social safety nets, climate resilience, disaster management, and earthquake preparedness.
Both parties expressed their commitment to further strengthening the Bangladesh-WFP partnership to ensure food security, advance sustainable development, and contribute to building a secure, climate-resilient, and prosperous Bangladesh.