Bangladesh sufferer of global warming: Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid

"Bangladesh is putting its best efforts to make a fair contribution in fighting this (global warming) challenge. We are also taking steps to reduce future emissions. We strongly believe that the development of renewable energy  is desirable for the developing countries," Mr Hamid said speaking at the plenary session of the founding conference  of the ISA, a treaty-based international body for promotion of solar energy in coordination among 121 countries.

The President maintained that investing in renewable energy is not only an "international trend" but  it is also "indispensable" for the safety of the planet.

He lauded the role of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in giving the global leadership for launching of the International Solar Alliance.

"The global warming and its subsequent effects on many countries are a reality now," he said, adding Bangladesh is one of the "worst sufferers" but he pointed the "share in emitting greenhouse gas" of Bangladesh is only 0.1 per cent.

But he said, threats to Bangladesh are "abundant" and said these include sea level rise, droughts, floods, and cyclones.

Mr Hamid said, "Clean energy is critical for overall development which is recognised in Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) - ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for everyone".

However, he said Bangladesh believes that meeting the target of renewable energy and energy efficiency requires well-coordinated and bold policy commitments and high level of financing.

"The world community has an obligation to play a significant role in this arena. In this regard, we deeply appreciate the leaderships of India and France for establishing the International Solar Alliance," he said.

He also said, the Government of Bangladesh has undertaken a number of programs to enhance the use of  renewable energy.

"As part of ongoing activities, Bangladesh has installed around 5 million Solar Home Systems serving around 20 million people. The government has also initiated a program to generate 500 MW of solar-based electricity  for the national grid," he said.

The visiting President further said, enhanced use of solar power based improved cook stove in rural areas has significantly reduced emission with increased energy efficiency.

"We see similar potential in solar-powered irrigation pumps," he said.

Bangladesh has always joined hands in any "noble global initiative", he said and added, "In that spirit, we did not hesitate to sign and ratify the Framework Agreement for International Solar Alliance to become a founding member".

He also expressed hope that the ISA will widen the opportunities for all its member countries to collaborate with each other in all areas of solar energy- from its use to research and development, from technology transfer to capacity building.