Prime Minister Travels to Türkiye for Global COP31 Summit

Photo: Collected

​News Desk: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dhaka for Türkiye on a three-day official mission on Tuesday morning, November 10, 2026, to take part in the COP31 World Leaders' Summit, where he will deliver a keynote address and engage in crucial bilateral discussions on the sidelines. According to the Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary, Hasan Shiplu, a Turkish Airlines flight carrying the premier, his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and their entourage departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 7:30 AM. Several senior cabinet members, political leaders, and high-ranking government officials—including Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar—were present at the airport to bid him farewell.

​The UN climate summit will take place in Antalya on November 11–12, with the Prime Minister scheduled to present Bangladesh's national statement during the plenary session on November 12. The delegation accompanying him includes the Environment Minister, two state ministers for foreign affairs, his Special Assistant on Environment, and other relevant officials and media representatives. Newly appointed Foreign Secretary Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury stated that sideline engagements are currently being finalized, which are expected to include bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Australian Prime Minister, the President of Uzbekistan, and the British Foreign Secretary, as well as a potential discussion with the UNDP Administrator. These talks aim to bolster bilateral relations, trade, investments, and environmental cooperation to advance Bangladesh's geopolitical and economic interests.

​During his plenary address, Prime Minister Rahman will outline Bangladesh's stance on climate justice, the historical responsibilities of developed nations, adaptation finance, loss and damage, and climate-resilient sustainable development. Highlighting that Bangladesh accounts for only 0.05 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions yet remains severely vulnerable, Foreign Secretary Chowdhury noted that securing climate justice is a top priority. To mobilize cooperation, Bangladesh regularly shares its estimated climate-related losses at international platforms. The country will also showcase its regional adaptation experiences and resilience achievements.

​As part of green initiatives, Bangladesh plans to establish a jute pavilion in the conference's Green Zone to promote jute as a sustainable alternative to plastic, alongside a prospective joint declaration with Türkiye on jute promotion. Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will host two Blue Zone side events on November 12 and 13 focusing on women's vulnerabilities to climate change and the challenges of zero-waste biodegradable jute products. Türkiye is presiding over the conference this year while Australia handles formal negotiations, with Bangladesh's positions formulated through inter-ministerial consultations and stakeholder engagement coordinated by the foreign and environment ministries. Officials expressed hope that the Prime Minister's leadership will significantly elevate Bangladesh's standing in international climate diplomacy. The premier is expected to return to Dhaka on November 13.