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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called on the World Economic Forum (WEF) to take coordinated global measures in support of delta nations like Bangladesh and other countries facing growing threats from climate change and rising sea levels.

He made the appeal during a courtesy meeting with World Economic Forum President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alois Zwinggi at the Dalian International Conference Center on the sidelines of the WEF Annual Meeting of the New Champions, commonly known as the Summer Davos Forum.

At the outset of the meeting, Alois Zwinggi congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister commended the WEF’s efforts and initiatives aimed at addressing the global climate crisis.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s climate adaptation and environmental protection programmes, Tarique Rahman said the government has undertaken an ambitious plan to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years as part of its broader strategy to enhance climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

He also outlined the government’s extensive river and water management initiatives, including the re-excavation of nearly 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals across the country to restore natural water flow, reduce flood risks and strengthen environmental protection.

The Prime Minister further noted that Bangladesh has introduced tax incentives to encourage investment in solar energy and renewable power generation. He said the government has adopted a target of generating 20 percent of the country’s total electricity demand from renewable energy sources by 2030.

Emphasizing the vulnerability of delta nations to climate-related disasters, sea-level rise and environmental degradation, Tarique Rahman urged the World Economic Forum to play a stronger role in mobilizing international cooperation, investment and policy support for countries facing these challenges.

In response, Alois Zwinggi expressed interest in Bangladesh’s climate resilience initiatives and praised the country’s efforts to address climate change.

He said Bangladesh’s experiences and policy initiatives in sustainable development and climate adaptation could serve as valuable examples for the international community.

The WEF chief also expressed interest in utilizing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s experience and leadership on climate-related issues in global discussions and initiatives.

Zwinggi noted that Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts in climate resilience and sustainable development could attract increased attention from international financial institutions and global investors.

Assuring serious consideration of the issues raised by Bangladesh, he pledged that the World Economic Forum would continue to provide necessary support for initiatives related to climate adaptation, sustainability and green development.

During the meeting, Alois Zwinggi also invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to participate in the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were present at the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to begin an official visit to China amid growing expectations of strengthening long-standing economic and development cooperation between the two countries.

The visit has generated optimism among government officials, business leaders and investors who believe it could open new avenues for trade, investment, technology transfer and infrastructure development.

After concluding his two-day official visit to Malaysia, the Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to the Chinese port city of Dalian on Monday night.

According to Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral meetings with China’s top leadership during the visit.

The discussions are expected to focus on trade and investment, development cooperation, infrastructure projects, energy security, digital economy initiatives and regional connectivity.

“Expansion of Chinese investment, accelerated implementation of ongoing projects and measures to narrow Bangladesh’s trade gap with China would receive priority in the discussions,” the Foreign Secretary said.

He also said that between 15 and 17 bilateral instruments, including memorandums of understanding (MoUs), agreements, action plans and protocols, are expected to be signed during the visit.

As part of his China tour, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will attend the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, widely known as the Summer Davos Forum.

He is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at a session titled “Climate Leadership in a Shifting Global Landscape” and hold meetings with world leaders and senior international officials attending the forum.

Later in Beijing, the Prime Minister will meet leaders of the Communist Party of China, officials of the Export-Import Bank of China and representatives of other key institutions.

On June 25, he will deliver a keynote address at the Bangladesh Investment Forum organized by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), highlighting investment opportunities and economic prospects in Bangladesh.

Business leaders have welcomed the visit, describing it as an important opportunity to deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI) President Md Khorshed Alam said the visit could add a new dimension to bilateral economic relations.

“Although Chinese investors have long shown interest in Bangladesh’s industrial, energy, technology and agricultural sectors, investment has not yet reached the desired level,” he said.

He noted that greater Chinese investment, technology transfer and industrial cooperation could significantly strengthen Bangladesh’s production capacity and capital market.

Yousef Xu, Executive Director for South Asia of Chinese infrastructure company CCECC, said Chinese businesses remain highly interested in investing in Bangladesh.

“The high-level visit would further strengthen diplomatic relations and play an important role in expanding trade and investment,” he said.

Chinese business representatives are also expected to participate in the Bangladesh Investment Forum to explore new opportunities and gain firsthand knowledge about Bangladesh’s investment climate.

According to Commerce Ministry sources, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and China currently stands between US$22 billion and US$25 billion annually.

However, Bangladesh’s exports remain relatively low compared to imports, resulting in a significant trade imbalance.

Business leaders believe the gap can be reduced by increasing exports of readymade garments, leather products, agricultural goods, light engineering products and processed food items to the Chinese market.

They also stressed that greater investment, technology transfer and infrastructure cooperation could significantly boost Bangladesh’s industrial growth and export competitiveness.

Stakeholders expressed hope that the Prime Minister’s visit would help strengthen the economic partnership between Bangladesh and China and pave the way for broader cooperation in trade, investment and sustainable development.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim accorded a warm red-carpet welcome to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya on Monday during his official visit to Malaysia.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his spouse, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, left the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur in the morning and arrived at Perdana Putra, the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office, at 9:00 a.m. local time.

Upon arrival, they were warmly received by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his spouse, Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

A ceremonial guard of honour presented by a contingent of the Malaysian Armed Forces was held on the red carpet to welcome the Bangladeshi Prime Minister and his spouse.

During the ceremony, the national anthems of Bangladesh and Malaysia were played.

Following the welcome ceremony, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman introduced members of the Bangladesh delegation to his Malaysian counterpart. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also introduced members of his cabinet to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister.

Tarique Rahman later signed the visitors’ book before entering the Prime Minister’s Office.

The two leaders then held a one-on-one meeting on the fifth floor of the building to discuss issues of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation.

To mark the visit, the national flags of Bangladesh and Malaysia were displayed along the road leading from the airport to the Prime Minister’s Office complex in Putrajaya.

Rows of Bangladeshi and Malaysian flags were also raised at Putrajaya Madani Square in front of the Prime Minister’s Office.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Malaysia on Sunday on a two-day official visit at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The visit is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade and investment cooperation and enhancing collaboration in areas of mutual interest between the two countries.

Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has announced that direct train service between Dhaka and Pabna will begin in August this year.

Speaking to journalists in Pabna on Saturday, the minister said all necessary preparations are progressing and the required locomotive for the new service is already ready.

“The necessary locomotive for operating the Dhaka-Pabna train service is already ready. A number of new coaches are scheduled to arrive in the country next month and once the coaches are received, direct train service between Pabna and Dhaka will be launched on a priority basis in August,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the minister attended an exchange-of-views meeting with government officials and local representatives at the Pabna Circuit House auditorium.

Rabiul Alam said the government plans to launch train services on two new routes in August. The direct Dhaka-Pabna service will be introduced first, followed by a direct Dhaka-Khulna train service.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to improving public transport services across the country.

“No particular group will receive preferential treatment. The highest priority will be given to public interest and the expectations of the people,” the minister said.

Highlighting future transport plans, he said an international-standard multi-modal transport system would soon become visible in Bangladesh.

Regarding the relocation of the Kazirhat ferry terminal, Rabiul Alam said the government is committed to implementing the project as quickly as possible, considering both public demand and its wider importance.

Several lawmakers, including Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Selim Reza Habib and Abu Taleb Mondal, attended the programme along with Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam, Superintendent of Police Sufi Ullah, senior government officials and local political leaders.