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DHAKA: Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram has sought cooperation from the US government to recover money allegedly laundered out of Bangladesh during the 17-year rule of the Awami League government.
He made the request during a courtesy call by a delegation led by Winrock International President and CEO Maksoda Maqsodi at his office at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Sunday.
During the meeting, the Speaker highlighted Winrock International’s more than four decades of partnership with Bangladesh and praised its role in addressing the country’s national priorities, including climate change and social protection.
Although Bangladesh contributes relatively little to global carbon emissions, it remains among the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly those caused by rising global temperatures and carbon dioxide emissions, he said.
Hafiz Uddin said rising sea levels posed an increasing threat to the livelihoods of people living in coastal areas, haor regions and along riverbanks, leaving millions vulnerable to climate-related risks.
He also emphasised the role of non-governmental organisations in improving people’s living standards, saying they could complement government initiatives in addressing social and economic challenges.
The Speaker and the delegation exchanged views on diversifying Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) industry, promoting environmentally friendly technologies in agricultural production and protecting the rights of Bangladeshi migrant workers returning from the Middle East and other countries.
The discussions also covered areas of potential cooperation in addressing climate-related challenges and supporting vulnerable communities.
Representatives of Winrock International, the secretary of the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat and other senior officials concerned attended the meeting, according to a press release issued by the Parliament Secretariat.