Published: 11:45 PM, 06 September 2026
Humanitarian assistance to continue for Nepalese people: Environment Minister
Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has said that the government and people of Bangladesh stand beside the government and people of Nepal during this time of grief and if needed we are prepared to continue providing humanitarian assistance.
He made the remarks at the Ministry office on Sunday during a meeting with the Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari. Abdul Awal Mintoo said, "Although Bangladesh and Nepal face different types of climate related risks but the environments and ecosystems of the two countries are closely interconnected."
Moreover, changes in Himalayan snow and glaciers, the ecological balance of river basins, excessive rainfall, floods and other climate commenced disasters affect the overall environment of South Asia as well as people's lives and livelihoods, he added.
Ahead of the upcoming COP31 conference, the minister emphasized on regional cooperation and said again that the exchange of knowledge and experience and joint initiatives to address these shared challenges.
During the meeting Nepalese Ambassador reminded that Nepal and Bangladesh are close neighbors and Nepal is interested in expanding cooperation on environmental protection and climate action.
At that time he also highlighted the opportunities for the relevant institutions of the two countries to exchange experience and technical knowledge, build capacity and collaborate on environmentally friendly development initiatives.
In addition, the meeting also discussed the growing collaboration between Bangladesh and Nepal in trade, connectivity, tourism, education and renewable energy. However, both sides observed that stronger regional connectivity and economic partnerships would create new opportunities for the people of both countries. They also expressed and hope that expanding future cooperation in clean and renewable energy could play a pivotal role in achieving green and sustainable development in South Asia.
Ministry's acting Secretary Dr Fahmida Khanam was also present at the event.
