Message from the Foreign Minister, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh

Abstract

I am very delighted to learn that the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand is going to publish a Bangabandhu Chair Special Issue of International Energy Journal titled “Energy, Disaster, Climate Change: Sustainability and Just Transitions in Bangladesh” dedicated exclusively to the Sustainable Energy Development discourse of Bangladesh. It is indeed a great honour for us that a prestigious academic institution such as AIT is publishing this Bangabandhu Chair special journal at a time when the people and government of Bangladesh are celebrating the birth centennial of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Mujib Year- 17 March 2020-17 March 2021). I commend AIT on its noble initiative to disseminate pertinent information on sustainable energy to experts, students and practitioners for valuable reference purposes. On the part of AIT this is a fitting honour to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his lasting legacy.

I express my sincere thanks to the AIT and particularly ‘Bangabandhu Chair’ Professor and Doctoral Research team for their arduous research work on sustainable and integrated smart energy modelling for Bangladesh under the priceless support and tutelage of AIT. Bangladesh is keen to develop its national institutions and share best practices for sustainable energy, climate change mitigation and adaption. I am confident that future research and policy advocacy initiatives of AIT would focus on disaster risk reduction and preparedness mechanisms. The Delta Plan 2100 that Bangladesh aspires to implement with the support of local and international experts and professionals could be a subject matter for detailed academic scrutiny at the AIT campus under future collaborative programmes. I hope that Bangabandhu Chair Professor at AIT will make new initiatives on energy and climate research for the benefit of the future generation of scholars and practitioners in both countries as well as in the global arena.