Former Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon met Foreign Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen at a courtesy call on 23 November 2019.
Ban Ki-moon and Dr. Momen discussed the grave danger of climate change and the possible adaptation measures to fight its adverse effects, Rohingya issue, the establishment of the regional office of Global Centre on Adaptation in Dhaka, possible leadership role of Bangladesh at Climate Vulnerable Forum etc.
Foreign Minister apprised him of the recent motion adopted by the National Parliament declaring the present state of affairs as planetary emergency which was highly commended by Mr. Ban and he expressed his hope that other Parliaments would also follow this example. Dr. Momen also informed him of the elaborate plan for celebration of birth centenary of the Father of the Nation and reiterated invitation to Secretary General Ban. He also gave a brief account of the plans, strategies and actions taken by the Government for drastic reduction of poverty and achievement of SDGs.
Ban Ki-moon paid rich tribute to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her efforts, for the country and for the world. He said that Sheikh Hasina was one of the few leaders who had not been bound by traditional thinking.
Secretary General Ban praised the achievements of Bangladesh in all socio-economic sectors under the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and termed Bangladesh as a model for other similar countries. He also expressed deep sorrow for the Rohingyas and whole-heartedly thanked Bangladesh for everything it had done for them in spite of severe constraints.