DHAKA: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday called for work together in fighting climate change.

The PM made the call during the inaugural ceremony of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Secretariat at Gulshan-2 in city.

BIMSTEC secretary general Sumit Nakandala and many other government high ups from local and foreign lands were also present in the inaugural ceremony.

In her inaugural speech, Sheikh Hasina said, “Bangladesh is a proud founding member of BIMSTEC. I fondly recall 6 June 1997, the date when BIMSTEC was established in Thailand.”

“It was during my first term as Prime Minister. Happily, during my third term, the BIMSTEC Secretariat is being established in Dhaka.”

Addressing the guests, she also said, “Bangladesh attaches very importance to regional cooperation. We are deeply committed to the objectives and goals of the organization which closely matches with our own foreign policy priorities.”

Sheikh Hasina also said BIMSTEC represents a group of countries bound by nature and history with unique blending of commonalities and diversities.

The premier emphasized strengthening connectivity in the region through “improving road and railway linkages” which “would substantially contribute to greater trade and facilitate movement of people”.

She also said, “Given the huge potential for cooperation in energy sector, especially hydro-power potential in the Himalayan basin and potential hydro-carbon reserve in the Bay of Bengal, it is unacceptable that we should continue to face energy shortages.”

She also asked the leaders to work closely to enhance energy security in the region.

Sheikh Hasina lauded the opening of the BIMSTEC Secretariat as “the culmination of … collective resolve to create a better and more prosperous future”.

BIMSTEC, established on 6 June 1997 in Bangkok, is the first headquarter of any inter-governmental organization in Bangladesh.

The Secretariat is expected to enhance the image of Bangladesh to the international community and strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation with the BIMSTEC member countries.

BIMSTEC started its journey with only four participating members and in six areas of cooperation. Presently, it has seven member states namely, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand and fourteen areas of cooperation.

BDST: 1210 HRS, SEP 13, 2014