Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, in charge of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has underscored Brazil’s crucial role as host of the upcoming UNFCCC COP30 in Belém in shaping the global climate discourse.
She reaffirmed Bangladesh’s readiness to work closely with Brazil toward an ambitious yet inclusive outcome.
“Bangladesh is interested in exploring carbon markets under Article 6 to support mangrove conservation in the Sundarban. But let me stress: carbon markets cannot substitute for climate finance commitments. Safeguards must ensure environmental integrity and fairness,” the Adviser said.
She was addressing the reception celebrating the 203rd Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Federative Republic of Brazil, hosted by Paulo Fernando Dias Feres, Ambassador of Brazil to Bangladesh, at Hotel Le Meridien, Dhaka.
The event was attended by ambassadors, high commissioners, members of the diplomatic corps, senior officials, and distinguished representatives from business, media, and civil society.
In her remarks, Adviser Hasan hailed Brazil as Bangladesh’s largest trading partner in Latin America, with bilateral trade reaching nearly US$3 billion in 2024. She called for greater market access for Bangladeshi garments made with Brazilian cotton, removal of anti-dumping tariffs on jute, simplification of pharmaceutical registration, and expansion of joint ventures. She welcomed Brazil’s recent certification of a Bangladeshi pharmaceutical firm as a step forward.
The Adviser extended warm greetings on behalf of the Government and people of Bangladesh, describing Brazil’s independence on 7 September 1822 as a defining moment in world history. She praised Brazil’s leadership in democracy, equity, climate action, and multilateralism.
She noted that Brazil was among the first South American countries to recognize Bangladesh in May 1972, laying the foundation for longstanding ties. Recent high-level engagements, including the visit of Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira to Dhaka in April 2024 and Bangladesh’s participation in the G20 Ministerial on Women’s Empowerment in Brazil, reflect growing momentum in relations.
Adviser Rizwana also highlighted Bangladesh’s reform process under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to strengthen inclusive governance, rule of law, and accountability. She welcomed Brazil’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations, calling Brazil an inspiring partner in justice and equality.
She further announced the finalization of four MoUs on agriculture, defence, health, and sports, along with 11 more under negotiation in areas such as ICT, disaster management, and trade dialogue. She expressed Bangladesh’s keenness to learn from Brazil’s expertise in biofuels and sustainable farming while sharing Bangladesh’s experience in disaster resilience.
Concluding her speech, the Adviser noted the enduring people-to-people bonds between the two countries, symbolized by Bangladesh’s passion for Brazilian football, and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, democracy, climate action, and cultural ties. “Long live Brazil-Bangladesh friendship. Muito Obrigado. Thank you,” she said.
At the book launch for economist Dr. Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan’s “Bangladesh Political Economy” at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies in Agargaon, the advisor spoke and highlighted the government’s ongoing reform initiatives.
