C T Online Desk: Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, on Sunday emphasized the need for greater financial and institutional support for the ministry.
Speaking at the “Inception Workshop with Development Partners on Operationalizing the Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership (BCDP)” hosted by the ministry at the Bangladesh Water Development Board, Pani Bhaban, Rizwana described the Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership (BCDP) as a vital platform for mobilizing resources, fostering collaboration, and building a resilient, sustainable future.
She said that the government launched the Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership (BCDP) to foster collaboration and mobilize climate funds.
The adviser stressed that external funding must be sought with integrity, ensuring the empowerment of the ministry while avoiding duplication of efforts.
She also called for concessional loans to ensure sustainability, highlighting the government’s commitment to prioritizing climate change initiatives.
Supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the BCDP aims to address climate challenges through low-carbon, climate-resilient development strategies.
The adviser said the government has established mechanisms to channel funds efficiently and prioritize their use effectively.
She urged stronger collaboration with civil society, emphasizing the need for greater youth and civil society representation in climate initiatives.
She further said: “The BCDP symbolizes a multi-stakeholder approach, bringing together the government, private sector, and development partners to scale up and implement climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Through BCDP, we aim to ensure that every taka invested in climate action creates meaningful, sustainable impacts for our people and ecosystems.”
Rizwana Hasan also called for integrating environmental protection and sustainable development into national policy.
She stressed the importance of avoiding environmentally harmful projects, such as hill cutting for road construction, and urged the Planning Commission and other agencies to prioritize green and sustainable projects.
“We can set an example for the world on how to channel climate funds with urgency, transparency, and inclusivity,” she said.
