DHAKA, Nov 23, 2024 (BSS) – Bangladesh’s newly appointed ambassador to Italy ATM Rokebul Haque has stressed the need of more effective role of FAO for uninterrupted exports of agriculture goods during global emergencies and disasters sidestepping export restrictions by any country.

In addition, he also called the FAO (United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization) to conduct climate-smart agriculture research and innovation activities. 

The ambassador made this remark while presenting his credentials to FAO Director-General QU Dongyu as the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh at FAO Headquarters in Rome, said a press release today.

At this time, the envoy also highlighted the linkage between “3 Zeros” of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and “4 Betters” vision of FAO Director-General.

The “3 Zeros” referred zero poverty, zero unemployment and zero net carbon emission while “4 Betters” vision is better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.

The ambassador said the main goal of these two visions is to eradicate hunger worldwide and ensure inclusive development. 

He requested the FAO Director-General to consider the application of the “Social Business” concept formulated by Professor Muhammad Yunus to improve rural livelihoods.

Rokebul Haque said continuous transformation and modernization of agricultural infrastructure has triggered the agricultural production up in Bangladesh gradually despite the risks of population growth, loss of arable land, natural disasters and climate change. 

He requested FAO to play a more effective role in strengthening the capacity of Bangladesh's agricultural, fisheries and livestock research institutions.

FAO also can extend cooperation to Bangladesh to increase strategic and technical assistance to address the impacts of climate change, use of innovation and technology in agriculture, and ensuring sustainable agricultural production. 

He assured the FAO Director-General of Bangladesh's positive role in maintaining close relations with development partner countries and organizations as an elected member of the FAO Council.

The FAO Director-General welcomed the ambassador and requested him to actively participate in all FAO activities as the permanent representative. 

He also assured of FAO's support and partnership in all plans and programmes to achieve food security, including agricultural transformation in Bangladesh.