Environment adviser seeks Saudi support, investment

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan sought Saudi investments, as Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Jaefer H Bin Abiyah paid a courtesy visit to the adviser at her Secretariat office in the capital on Sunday.

During the meeting, the adviser sought Saudi Arabia's cooperation and investment in the projects for rainwater harvesting in the country's coastal saline areas to ensure safe drinking water for local communities.

She also focused on Bangladesh's efforts to tackle climate change and promote greenery across the country.

"Bangladesh is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. International cooperation is crucial to overcome our challenges," she said.

Ambassador Dr Abiyah invited the environment adviser to attend the upcoming 5th Session of the Islamic Conference, and expressed Saudi Arabia's willingness to strengthen bilateral ties and support Bangladesh's environmental protection and climate resilience initiatives.

He also discussed possible joint ventures between the two countries in green technology, renewable energy, and water management sectors.

Later, Rizwana Hasan chaired a meeting at the Secretariat on development and overall activities of the Bangladesh Rubber Board.

In the meeting, she said there is an urgent need to adopt environment-friendly practices for sustainable growth of the rubber industry. She also gave directives on promoting research, expanding export opportunities, and providing policy support.

Environment secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, additional secretary (administration) Md. Khairul Hasan, and joint secretary (law) Shahanara Yasmin Lili, spoke on the occasion, among others.

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