Bangladesh ‘disappointed’ over US decision to dump global climate pact

“It would be unfortunate to lose a leading partner like the United States in the global journey to secure a green and safe planet for ourselves and our future generations,” the foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, informing that Bangladesh is ‘disappointed’.

Bangladesh, though not a contributor in global warming, was one of the first countries to ratify the Paris Climate Agreement.

Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali officially informed the UN secretary-general of the ratification in New York in September 2016.

The foreign ministry said Bangladesh would remain “committed” to the accord.

“Bangladesh would continue its efforts with all friends and partners around the globe to mobilise domestic and international resources to address the grave threats posed by climate change,” read the statement.

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump said the United States would withdraw from the landmark 2015 global agreement to fight climate change.

US President Donald Trump announces his decision that the United States will withdraw from the landmark Paris Climate Agreement, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, US, June 1, 2017. Reuters

Trump, tapping into the "America First" message during his poll campaign, said the Paris accord would undermine the US economy, cost US jobs, weaken American national sovereignty and put the country at a permanent disadvantage against other countries of the world.

International leaders, including the Pope had pressed Trump not to abandon the accord and lamented his decision when Trump refused to relent.

Supporters of the accord, including some leading US business leaders, called Trump's move a blow to international efforts to curb the warming of the planet that has far-reaching consequences .

Former Democratic President Barack Obama expressed regret over the pullout from a deal, he was instrumental in brokering.