DHAKA, Feb 14, 2019 (BSS) – Three Rome-based agencies (RBAs) of the United Nations -FAO, WFP and IFAD congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the landslide victory in the last general election and assuming office again.
The heads of the agencies in separate meeting with Finance Minster A H M Mustafa Kamal, who is now in Rome, conveyed their greetings by appreciating Bangladesh’s unprecedented move of extending shelter to the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. They said Bangladesh has created an example of humanity in the world.
Noting Bangladesh’s constant GDP growth over 6 percent in the last decade, the heads of RBAs also praised the government for its fight against poverty and hunger, said a ministry press release received here today.
Recalling his recent visit to Bangladesh and inhuman situation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals have gone through, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) David Beasley reiterated their commitments to support Bangladesh in its thrive towards eradicating poverty and hunger.
Director General of Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Jos, Graziano da Silva praised Bangladesh for its remarkable progress and said FAO has been implementing 36 projects which value more than $ 98.3 million in the area of food security, food safety and improving food system among others.
Finance Minister requested FAO to give technical support in establishing an agricultural research centre to transfer new technological innovation in Bangladesh.
He also urged FAO to share its expertise for the fruit (mango, jackfruit, guava, pineapple, litchis) processing industry in Bangladesh.
Besides, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Gilbert F. Houngbo also praised Bangladesh for its highest performing portfolio in disbursement and utilization of resources for the rural people.
Finance Minister A H M Mustafa Kamal is visiting Rome to attend the 42nd Session of the Governing Council of IFAD.
Mustafa Kamal thanked the heads of the organizations’ for their continuous support to Bangladesh in its thrive towards eradicating poverty and hunger, and also expressed gratitude for the humanitarian assistance to the displaced Myanmar nationals in Bangladesh.
He told them under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Bangladesh has achieved GDP growth with 7.65 percent in the last fiscal year 2017-18 and an average growth of more than 6 percent over the last decade.
Kamal highlighted Bangladesh’s progress in achieving food security, despite frequent natural disasters and population growth, mostly contributed by 88 percent smallholders (small and marginal farmers) having just 0.05-2.49 acres (0.02-1.01ha) of land.
The Minister also said Bangladesh is a pioneer in achieving the MDGs and has already mainstreamed the SDGs with its Seventh Five Year Plan to achieve the target of middle-income country status by 2021 and developed country by 2041.