State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam emphasized that food security and climate resilience must be pursued together. She made the remarks during a meeting with World Food Programme (WFP) Resident Representative and Country Director in Bangladesh, Coco H. Ushiyama.
Shama expressed appreciation for WFP's cooperation with Bangladesh in food security, nutrition, social protection, and humanitarian assistance. She thanked WFP for its assistance to the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (Rohingyas) in Bangladesh and underscored the need for sustained international support.
The state minister commended WFP's contribution to Bangladesh's School Meals Programme and emphasized the importance of capacity-building for food security. She highlighted the government's priorities, including environmentally sustainable agriculture and the countrywide tree-plantation initiative.
Shama sought WFP's support for government initiatives such as the Family Card Programme and called for enhanced cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ushiyama briefed the state minister on WFP's activities in Khulna Division and Habiganj district, focusing on social safety nets, climate resilience, disaster management, and earthquake preparedness.
Both sides committed to strengthening the Bangladesh-WFP partnership to ensure food security, advance sustainable development, and build a secure, climate-resilient, and prosperous Bangladesh.
