Officials highlighted shared Himalayan and river-basin risks as both countries looked to deepen regional coordination, technical exchanges and clean energy collaboration before global climate negotiations.
Bangladesh and Nepal discussed expanding cooperation on climate action, biodiversity conservation, forest management and renewable energy during a courtesy call by Nepalese Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo in Dhaka on Sunday.
The meeting was held at the minister’s office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, the seat of the country’s central administration, on 6 September 2026, according to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The two sides exchanged views on the longstanding and friendly bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Nepal and discussed ways to strengthen environmental protection, responses to climate change impacts, biodiversity conservation, sustainable management of forests and natural resources and regional environmental cooperation.
Mintoo expressed profound sorrow over the loss of life in the recent devastating accident in Nepal and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He wished the injured a speedy recovery and said the government and people of Bangladesh stood beside the government and people of Nepal during the time of grief.
He also said Bangladesh was prepared to continue providing humanitarian assistance and cooperation as needed.
The environment minister said Bangladesh and Nepal face different types of climate-related risks but that their environments and ecosystems are closely interconnected.
Changes in Himalayan snow and glaciers, the ecological balance of river basins, excessive rainfall, floods and other climate-induced disasters affect the overall environment of South Asia as well as people’s lives and livelihoods, he said.
Ahead of the upcoming COP31 climate conference, Mintoo emphasised regional cooperation, the exchange of knowledge and experience and joint initiatives to address the shared challenges.
Bhandari referred to the close relations between Bangladesh and Nepal and expressed interest in expanding cooperation on environmental protection and climate action.
He highlighted opportunities for relevant institutions of the two countries to exchange experience and technical knowledge, build capacity and collaborate on environmentally friendly development initiatives.
The ambassador thanked the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for showing solidarity with the people of Nepal and extending support after the accident. He said Bangladesh’s compassion during the crisis reflected the deep friendship and mutual trust between the peoples of the two countries and that the government and people of Nepal would remember the assistance with gratitude.
The meeting also discussed growing collaboration between Bangladesh and Nepal in trade, connectivity, tourism, education and renewable energy.
Both sides said stronger regional connectivity and economic partnerships would create new opportunities for the peoples of the two countries. They also said future cooperation in clean and renewable energy could play an important role in achieving green and sustainable development in South Asia.
Dr. Fahmida Khanam, Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was present at the meeting.
