Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said Bangladesh is committed to building a $1 trillion climate-resilient and sustainable economy, with economic growth and environmental protection being pursued as complementary goals.

Inspired by the philosophy of ‘Bangladesh First’, the government considers industrialisation and development essential, but stressed that these must go hand in hand with nature conservation and environmental balance.

The prime minister made the remarks while addressing the high-level session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey, on Thursday.

“Bangladesh is among the countries on the frontline of climate change, despite contributing less than 0.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions,” he said, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to the climate crisis.

Despite these challenges, the government is working to build a climate-resilient and sustainable economy, he added.

The prime minister said the elected government had set a target of meeting 20 per cent of the country’s electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030.

In line with the Paris Agreement and its net-zero emissions ambitions, the government has also taken initiatives to generate 4,000 megawatts of solar power through special tax incentives. It is also encouraging energy production from waste, he said.

Highlighting efforts to promote green industrialisation, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh currently has around 300 LEED-certified garment factories.

The government is also working to expand environmentally friendly transport, including electric vehicles, promote eco-friendly products such as jute bags and develop a national framework for carbon trading, he added.

He further said the government had planned to plant 250 million trees over the next five years.

To strengthen environmental protection and climate resilience, the government is pursuing the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage master plans, alongside dredging and excavation of 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals.

These initiatives aim to improve water conservation, reduce flood risks, restore wetlands and replenish groundwater levels, he said.

The prime minister also highlighted plans to restore mangrove forests on reclaimed coastal land, saying the initiative would help protect coastal communities and strengthen their resilience to climate change.

Turning to global climate financing, Tarique Rahman said existing financial mechanisms remained inadequate and failed to properly address the needs and priorities of developing countries.

Climate-related losses and damages were placing a significant burden on national economies, while rising debt repayments and limited financial resources were making the situation even more difficult, he said.

“Climate-vulnerable countries need grants, not more loans,” the prime minister said, calling for reliable financial assistance, access to modern technologies and stronger support for climate adaptation.

Emphasising the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, he called for five urgent measures to address the climate crisis.

He proposed allocating at least 50 per cent of international climate finance to adaptation, while continuing support for emissions reduction efforts.

He also called for emergency debt and disaster relief facilities for climate-vulnerable countries, equitable access to environmentally friendly technologies, technology transfer and a faster transition to renewable energy through affordable financing and capacity development.

In addition, he proposed adopting a ‘Belem-Antalya Action Mechanism’ at COP31 to ensure a just energy transition based on fair financing and trade.

Stressing the importance of women’s and young people’s participation in climate action, the prime minister said efforts must focus on creating decent green jobs and limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Expressing hope for a successful COP31, he said Bangladesh expected the conference to deliver meaningful, balanced and ambitious outcomes, particularly for countries most vulnerable to climate change.

Calling on world leaders to translate their commitments into action, Tarique Rahman said, “Let us strengthen global solidarity, turn our commitments into reality and work together to build a sustainable future.”