They discussed various aspects of challenges and explained why climate change is not just a problem for Bangladesh but also a threat to it as the country is identified as one of the most vulnerable countries in the world.
Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) and The Daily Star jointly arranged the roundtable titled "The Security Implications of Climate Change" at the Daily Star Centre in the city.
BIPSS President Maj Gen (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman made the keynote presentation while The Daily Star Associate Editor Brig Gen (retd) Shahedul Anam Khan moderated it.
Director International Centre for Climate Change and Development Dr Saleemul Huq, former Director General, Department of Disaster Management Mohammad Abdul Wazed and Prof Dr Imtiaz A Husaain, among others, spoke at the event.
The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam delivered welcome speech.
"It’s extremely important for all of us to take right measures," said Muniruzzaman putting much emphasis on comprehensive adaptation plan and its successful implementation.
He said there has to be international and regional frameworks to deal with security challenges of climate change.
The security expert also highlighted effective mitigation strategy that needs to be pushed forward.
"We need global awareness, political will and cooperation among all the countries to address the global challenges," he said.
Muniruzzaman explained two main dimensions of the challenge -- human security and hard security.
He focused on issues related to food security, water security, health security and energy security while talking about human security challenges caused by climate change. "We’ve good strategies but we lack resources."
Highlighting climate-induced internal migration, Saleemul Huq said Bangladesh needs to invest in children so that they can move, if required, with all supports they deserve. "If we don’t invest, they’ll end up in Dhaka," he said.
Huq mentioned that it is not possible to force people not to come to Dhaka but people need to be attracted to other parts of the country.
He laid emphasis on introducing "climate passport" so that other countries take some people who will be displaced due to climate change.
Turning to Rohingya issue, Huq said Rohingya people are not climate migrants as they are migrants for political reason.
Mahfuz Anam said Bangladesh is identified as one of the most vulnerable countries. "Whatever is true for everybody, it’s truer for us."
He said Bangladesh has faced many challenges but due to climate change and those will be unprecedented level of challenges.
"All of us need to work together," said Mahfuz Anam stressing the importance of cooperation among the government, scientists and organisations.
Highlighting the role of media, he assured of their continued support over the issue. "Media is very much committed," he added.