DHAKA, Feb 17, 2024 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina became as one of the center of attention at the ongoing Munich Security Conference.
 
"All world leaders congratulated her and she emerged as one of the center of attention at the conference," Mahmud said while interacting with Bangladesh media in Munich on Friday, according to foreign ministry's press release received here today. 

The foreign minister who is accompanied the prime minister said throughout the first day of the conference, Sheikh Hasina held seven bilateral meetings and joined a panel discussion. 

During her talks with the Prime Ministers of Qatar and Denmark Rohingya and Palestine issues were discussed apart from bilateral matters. 

Additionally, she met with the Director General of the World Health Organization, the President of Women Political Leaders, and the Global Chairman of Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.

The WHO's Director General extended congratulations to Saima Wazed for her election as the regional director of the organization.

Referring to the meeting with the senior managing director of the World Bank, the foreign minister said, "You know that the World Bank has financed USD 16 billion in 56 ongoing projects in Bangladesh. They have made a commitment of $509 million in budget support this year and $700 million in aid to Rohingya and host communities in Bangladesh."

Sheikh Hasina, addressing the World Bank, sought expedited release of funds.

Later, while addressing a reception hosted by Bangladeshi expatriate residing in Germany at the honour of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mahmud said a good election was held in Bangladesh by overcoming domestic and foreign conspiracies.

He mentioned that more than 70 countries, including India, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations as well as other international organizations have so far congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
 
 
CLIMATE EVENT 
On the sidelines of the Munich conference, Bangladesh foreign minister spoke at an event titled "Cause and Effect: A Two Front Battle against Climate Change" held on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Friday evening.

In his speech, Mahmud said that there is no alternative to strong global partnerships, collective action and inclusive funding for developing countries to deal with the climate change impacts.

He said the flow of climate financing for the developing countries is gradually shrinking but it is the need of the hour to ensure adequate funding for these countries to achieve adaptation and resilience to global climate change.

Mahmud said that Bangladesh is identified as a unique example to the world in dealing with climate change.

He highlighted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the multi-dimensional initiatives in this field including Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan, the Climate Change Trust Fund, Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 and National Adaptation Plan. 

The three-day Munich Security Conference will be ended on Sunday.