DHAKA, Sept 6, 2026: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo held a courtesy meeting with Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari on Sunday at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed various aspects of the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Nepal, with particular emphasis on environmental protection, climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable management of forests and natural resources, and regional environmental cooperation.
Minister Mintoo expressed deep condolences over the recent tragic accident in Nepal and conveyed sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives. He wished a speedy recovery for those injured and said Bangladesh stands beside the government and people of Nepal during this difficult time.
The minister said that although Bangladesh and Nepal face different climate-related risks, their ecosystems are closely interconnected. Changes in Himalayan snow and glaciers, river-basin ecosystems, excessive rainfall, floods and other climate-induced disasters have wider impacts on South Asia’s environment and people’s livelihoods.
Ahead of the upcoming COP31, he stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation, knowledge and experience sharing, and joint initiatives to address these common challenges.
Ambassador Bhandari expressed Nepal’s interest in further expanding cooperation with Bangladesh on environmental protection and climate change. He highlighted opportunities for exchanging technical knowledge and experience, capacity building and collaboration on environmentally sustainable development initiatives.
The ambassador also thanked Bangladesh’s Prime Minister for expressing solidarity with the people of Nepal and extending support following the accident. He said Bangladesh’s response reflected the deep friendship and mutual trust between the peoples of the two countries.
The meeting also covered growing cooperation between Bangladesh and Nepal in trade, connectivity, tourism, education and renewable energy. Both sides emphasised that stronger regional connectivity and economic partnership could create new opportunities for the people of both countries and contribute to green and sustainable development in South Asia.
Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Fahmida Khanam was also present at the meeting.
