The Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy H McCain, has praised Bangladesh for its substantial achievements across various sectors over the past 15 years. Highlighting the nation’s significant role in women’s empowerment, successful school feeding programs reducing dropout rates, and resilient responses to climate adversities, McCain commended Bangladesh’s progress.
She particularly applauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, acknowledging the country’s compassionate hosting of Rohingya refugees forced to flee Myanmar due to ethnic cleansing and genocide.
McCain made these remarks during a ceremony marking the presentation of the Letter of Commission accrediting Md Monirul Islam as the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to WFP. Ambassador Islam expressed gratitude for receiving the Commission and highlighted Bangladesh’s recent accomplishments.
The Ambassador noted the multi-dimensional and highly effective nature of WFP’s activities in Bangladesh, specifically mentioning the government’s financial and operational contributions to the School Feeding Programme and Rice Fortification Programme.
He also appreciated WFP’s crucial role in addressing the Rohingya crisis and urged WFP to use its influence through the Executive Board to ensure the safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Expressing satisfaction with the achievements of the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) for Bangladesh from 2022-2026, the Ambassador requested close collaboration to secure financing from development partners for its implementation.
The event, held at WFP Headquarters on February 19, concluded with both Bangladesh and WFP reiterating their commitment to closely work together, emphasizing “Saving and Changing Lives Worldwide” in the pursuit of the 2030 Agenda, particularly focusing on SDG 2. The Executive Director of WFP was accompanied by senior officials of WFP, while representatives from the Bangladesh Embassy in Rome were also present.
