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Population issue to be in Rio+20 agenda

. BSS, Dhaka
Population growth is the main barrier for sustainable development of the country, so that Bangladesh would give priority to including population issue in the upcoming Rio+20 conference agenda, said Environment and Forest Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud.
Speaking at a national consultation workshop on Rio+20:
Remaining Gaps and Future Directions for Sustainable Development in Bangladesh, the minister said sustainable development was not possible at national and international levels without with the control of the population growth.
Bangladesh joined the Rio+20 initiative to implement its political pledges both at international and national levels. The country will submit its national level report on sustainable development at the Rio+20 conference in Brazil during 20-22 June 2012.
The conference will focus on two themes-a green economy in the context of sustainable development as well as poverty eradication and institutional framework for sustainable development.
The minister said population boom is obstructing sustainable development as carbon emission is increasing globally due to rapid population growth that forces increasing production capacity at mills and factories, motor vehicles and power consumption.
Referring to Bangladesh perspective, Dr Hasan said the country would completely
be self sufficient in food by next year but it will be tough to keep this trend after 10 years if the present trend of population growth and unplanned forestation is continued.
The minister said huge uncultivated land is lying in Africa, and consensus should be made at Rio summit for best possible use of such lands to ensure food security globally.