Bangladesh to continue its constructive and lead role in climate discourse: Ambassador Akramul Qader

USA NEWS: “Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister  Sheikh Hasina has been playing a constructive and leading role in global climate negotiations particularly among the LDCs, and would continue its  efforts in future “. This was said by Akramul Qader, Bangladesh Ambassador to USA and State Minister at a high-profile seminar held at the Embassy on 14 December.  In his welcome speech, Bangladesh Ambassador highlighted on the vulnerability of Bangladesh and informed the house about the on-going steps being taken by the present Government  to address the challenge. While mentioning that the climate change is a global problem, Ambassador Qader laid stress on the need to build up a global partnership in this regard. The seminar entitled “Save our Planet Earth from Global Warming and Climate Change; Focus Bangladesh” was attended by a large number of participants including US officials, diplomats, representatives from the think-tanks, NGOs, media and University  students.

Panelists included Greg Vitali, State Representative (166th Legislative District), Pennsylvania,  Lance Simmens, Special Assistant to the Governor, Intergovernmental Affairs, Pennsylvania and Climate Messenger of former Vice-President Al Gore, Jonathan Porter, Policy Director to Congressman Joseph Sestak (D–PA), Jim Dougherty, Executive Committee Secretary, Washington DC Chapter of the Sierra Club, Abu Rahman and Azim. Robert Shapiro, Chairman, Sonecon, LLC and former Under Secretary of Commerce  also spoke on the occasion.

Lance Simmens made a power-point presentation highlighting the gravity of the issue and forecasting possible impact on the countries-developed and developing. The panelists shared their perspectives which also helped the audience to   get a sense about the on-going crisis.  Increasing efficiency in using energy in India and Bangladesh, the identification of climate change by the US Department of Defense as one of the pressing future threats, among others, came up during the deliberations.Porter appreciated the proactive role of the  Prime Minister of Bangladesh during the Copenhagen Summit. The presentation was followed by a lively Questions and Answers session.

Since the event coincided with the Martyred Intellectuals Day of Bangladesh, the Ambassador in his speech paid glowing tribute to the frontline Bengali intellectuals and professionals who were killed on this day. The audience stood up with solemn silence for one minute to respect the martyrs.Akramul  Qader also condoled the death of Ambassador Richard Holbrook- US Special Envoy and lauded his role to bring peace to many war-torn areas.

Many of the speakers were of the view that Bangladesh is at the front line of climate change, and thanked Bangladesh Embassy for hosting such an event “at an appropriate venue”. This seminar is a part of ongoing effort of the Embassy to partner with variety of social organizations and think tanks in the United States to generate interest about Bangladesh and the issues, which affect Bangladesh and other developing countries. The concern of the affected countries found fresh attention in the presentations where all panelists felt that there is a strategic opportunity for governments and peoples across the globe to come together and forge a new global agreement on climate change. The event was followed by a lunch featuring Bangladeshi traditional delicacies.