Bangladesh Seeks Saudi Support for Green Growth and Coastal Water Security

The interim government of Bangladesh has sought Saudi Arabia’s cooperation in tackling climate-related risks, promoting nationwide greenery, and ensuring safe drinking water for residents of saline-prone coastal regions through rainwater harvesting initiatives.

On Sunday, October 19, Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan made the request during a courtesy call by Dr. Abdullah Jaafer H. Bin Abiyah, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh, at the Secretariat.

During the meeting, Adviser Rizwana Hasan stated that “Bangladesh is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. International collaboration is essential to effectively address the adverse impacts of climate change.”

Ambassador Dr. Abdullah Jaafer H. Bin Abiyah invited the Adviser to attend the upcoming Fifth Session of the Islamic Conference and expressed optimism about Saudi Arabia’s potential cooperation in environmental protection and enhancing Bangladesh’s climate resilience. He also stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and discussed prospects for joint initiatives in eco-friendly technologies, renewable energy, and water management between the two nations.

Later, Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan presided over a meeting at the Secretariat to review the development and overall activities of the Bangladesh Rubber Board. During the session, she emphasized the need for adopting environmentally sustainable methods for the long-term growth of the rubber industry, while providing policy guidance on research expansion, export opportunities, and institutional support.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change; Additional Secretary (Administration) Md. Khairul Hasan; Joint Secretary (Law) Shahanara Yasmin Lili; and other senior officials from the ministry and the Rubber Board.