Bangladesh has been elected member of FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) Council from the Asia Region for the term 2022-2024. FAO is the specialised UN agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

The result came from the 42nd Session of the UN Agency participated by 183 member states, said the Embassy of Bangladesh in Italy on Friday.

The ongoing 42nd Session of the FAO Conference held on a virtual platform from the headquarters of FAO in Rome, is being attended by an 8-member Bangladesh delegation led by Agricultural Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, which also includes Agricultural Senior Secretary Md Mesbahul Islam and Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative to FAO Md Shameem Ahsan.

President of Italy Sergio Mattarella inaugurated the Session.

Agriculture Minister made his Statement on June 15 at the Plenary. He also read out the joint statement on behalf of the Asia group on the same day. Both statements were well received among the participating countries.

The high point of the event was Bangladesh's election as a nember of the FAO Council from the Asia Region for the term 2022-2024. Bangladesh Embassy in Rome vigorously pursued to obtain support in favour.

Bangladesh, with other Council members, will now lead the organization at both policy and executive levels in deciding and advising on matters regarding the implementation of programmes and budget execution, monitoring of activities under the new results-based framework, implementation of decisions, and oversight of the administration of the organization for three years.