PM seeks increased Australian investment, support for Rohingya repatriation

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday sought increased Australian investment in Bangladesh and its support in ensuring the safe repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.

He made the requests during a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, held at 10:30am local time, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

He said the two leaders discussed climate change, investment opportunities in Bangladesh, the Rohingya crisis and other issues of mutual interest.

During the meeting, Tarique invited Albanese to visit Bangladesh. In response, the Australian Prime Minister expressed hope that he would be able to visit the country at a convenient time next year.

Albanese also invited Tarique to visit Australia, and the Bangladesh Prime Minister expressed hope that he would make the visit at a convenient time.

During the discussions on climate change, Tarique stressed the need to give priority to the needs of developing countries, particularly those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

He appreciated Australia's leadership role in the ongoing COP31 negotiation process, saying Bangladesh was among the countries most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change.

On investment, the Prime Minister highlighted the opportunities available in Bangladesh and called for increased Australian investment in the country.

The two leaders also discussed cooperation in the agriculture sector.

On the Rohingya issue, Tarique sought Australia's support for ensuring the safe repatriation of Myanmar’s displaced nationals sheltered in Bangladesh to their homeland.

He called for stronger Australian diplomatic efforts to help resolve the crisis, stressing that it originated in Myanmar and that a lasting solution must also be found there.

The Prime Minister also briefed Albanese on Bangladesh's plans for renewable energy, saying the government was working to meet 20 percent of the country's total electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030.

He also highlighted various government initiatives to protect the environment and address the impacts of climate change, including a plan to plant 25 crore trees across the country and programmes for excavating canals. -UNB