PM visits Bangladesh's Jute Pavilion

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged the global community to work together to protect the planet and ensure a healthy and safe life for people, as he visited Bangladesh's Jute Pavilion at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkiye.

He made the call while talking to a group of University of Chicago students who were visiting the pavilion in the conference's Green Zone.

The prime minister visited the pavilion around 10am local time. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam received him on his arrival.

Tarique toured the eco-friendly jute products from Bangladesh on display and asked the students about their interest in the products.

The students said they wanted to learn more about the products and to study the subject. In response, the prime minister said everyone must work together to protect the earth's environment so that people can live healthy and beautiful lives.

"Let us work together to ensure a healthy and safe world," he said.

Officials in charge of the pavilion told the prime minister that 129 jute products, including bags, shoes and blazers, are on display. They said the products are not only eco-friendly but also hold huge potential in the international market.

They said representatives of various countries have visited the pavilion and shown interest in Bangladesh jute products, with many expressing willingness to import them.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir were also present.

Tarique arrived in Antalya on Tuesday on a three-day official visit. 

On Thursday, he addressed the High-Level Segment of COP31, calling for five urgent actions to protect climate-vulnerable countries.

On the sidelines of the conference, the prime minister has so far held bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, discussing ways to strengthen ties, boost investment and address the impacts of climate change.

He has also held courtesy calls with several other world leaders and heads of international organisations.