FAO pledges continued support for Bangladesh’s agricultural advancements

Rakibul Haque, Bangladesh's new Ambassador to Italy, underscored the need for climate-smart agricultural research and innovation during a meeting with Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The meeting coincided with the presentation of his credentials as Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to FAO at its Rome headquarters.

Ambassador Haque highlighted FAO's critical role in ensuring uninterrupted agricultural exports by preventing export restrictions during global emergencies. He linked Dr. Muhammad Yunus's "3 Zeros" vision—zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions—with FAO's "4 Betters" approach—better production, nutrition, environment, and life—emphasising their shared goal of eradicating hunger and promoting inclusive development. He also urged FAO to explore Dr. Yunus's "Social Business" model to improve rural livelihoods.

The ambassador noted Bangladesh's significant achievements in agricultural production despite challenges such as population growth, shrinking arable land, natural disasters, and climate change. He called for FAO's strategic and technical support to address climate challenges, integrate innovation and technology in agriculture, and ensure sustainable production. He also emphasised strengthening Bangladesh's research institutions in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock through capacity-building initiatives.

As a member of the FAO Council, Ambassador Haque assured Bangladesh's commitment to fostering partnerships with development organisations.

Dr. Qu Dongyu congratulated the ambassador and pledged FAO's continued support for Bangladesh's agricultural transformation and food security initiatives.