Bangladesh’s  expatriate community is much excited to see Bangladeshi rock legend Nagar Baul James' live performance here on Friday as "Bangladesh Culture" segment of the prestigious "Riyadh Season" began on Wednesday evening (KSA time), showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage and lifestyle of Bangladesh. "I am coming to Riyadh town," James conveyed to his vast fans in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ahead of his show at Al-Suwaidi Park. Thousands of Bangladeshis joined the first day of the four-day festival and James' fans say they are waiting for Friday's show. "Obviously, the highlight of the event will be James's much-sought first performance in Riyadh," a Bangladeshi youth, who came to Riyadh four years ago, told UNB.  

A waste treatment plant in Barguna town constructed at a cost of Tk 16 crore under the LGSP project with World Bank funding has been lying inoperative for the last three years amid environmental and health concerns. Meanwhile, 7–8 tonnes of municipal waste is being dumped daily in the densely populated Sonakhali area in the town, causing severe environmental pollution and health hazards, official sources said. Residents Suffer from Toxic Pollution Visiting the area the UNB correspondent found 10–15 families reside less than 50 yards from the Sonakhali dumping ground. These residents endure continuous smoke, stench, and an infestation of flies and mosquitoes. Bangladesh and Japan to sign MoU on waste management, carbon credits The nightly burning of waste by municipal sanitation workers exacerbates the situation, with black smoke lingering throughout the day. Sabina Yasmin, a local resident, said, “For 20 years, waste has been dumped in front of my house, forming a massive heap. Every night, trucks unload waste, which overflows by dawn. The smell of burning plastic and polythene is suffocating, making it unbearable to live here." Thousands of students and commuters who traverse the area daily are also affected. The stench and smoke force them to cover their noses. Dhaka’s waste management failed to improve in 53 years: Adviser Rizwana Lack of Skilled Manpower Delays Plant Operations The waste treatment plant in Helibunia village has not been made operational due to a lack of skilled manpower. Barguna Municipality Executive Officer Md. Rafiqul Islam Ripon said, "We are working on waste management. Skilled and experienced manpower will soon be recruited to operate the treatment plant in Helibunia." However, in the meantime, unregulated dumping continues to affect the densely populated Sonakhali area. Public Health Risks Highlighted Health experts have raised alarms over the mixture of hospital and general waste at the dumping site. Barguna Civil Surgeon Dr. Pradip Chandra Mondal said, “Unplanned waste management is harmful to the environment and public health. Open spaces cannot serve as dumping grounds. Mixing hospital and general waste produces toxic gases that cause severe diseases in humans. These two types of waste must be recycled separately." Locals demanded operationalising the waste treatment plant and proper waste management practices. Without immediate action, the health and well-being of residents, particularly children and the elderly, remain at risk, alongside the town's environment, they said. Waste management challenge in Bangladesh Municipal solid wastes have been a great challenge all over the world today for their huge volumes. Bangladesh faces many challenges due to its large, rapidly growing population in urban areas. Bangladesh is the ninth most populous and 12th most densely populated country in the world. With this population growth, there is an increasing problem of waste management, particularly in larger cities. Currently, according to an UNFPA report, Dhaka is one of the most polluted cities in the world and one of the issues concerned is the management of municipal waste.

A positive decision on finance is anticipated on the final day of COP29, as the conference’s success heavily relies on financial commitments, said Mirza Shawkat Ali, Director of Climate Change and International Conventions at the Department of Environment. He shared this information with UNB, saying that without a financial declaration, COP29 will not be considered a success. The World Climate Conference (COP29) has been ongoing in Baku, Azerbaijan, since November 11 and will continue until November 22. Representatives from member countries gather annually to address the adverse impacts of climate change. The ministerial-level high-level segment of the conference will conclude on November 20 and experts believe several key decisions may be made during this meeting. Shawkat Ali said that Bangladesh’s Environmental Adviser held a meeting with the Japanese Minister the previous day, where Japan expressed optimism that a positive outcome on finance would be reached by the end of COP29, as this is crucial for the conference’s success. Azerbaijan’s President is leading efforts in this regard. He added that an assessment of the damage caused by climate change in Bangladesh indicates that the country will need $5-6 trillion by 2030. Bangladesh wants to see balanced outcome at COP29, rightful decision on NCQG Currently, Bangladesh is seeking between $1.1 to $1.3 trillion in funding. Shawkat Ali mentioned that after the ministerial meeting concludes today, discussions over the next two days between developed and affected countries are expected to lead to a final agreement. He said that a major tax increase has been proposed as part of the COP outcomes, which could be reduced after discussions at the ministerial level. Shawkat Ali expressed the hope that a positive financial declaration would come either on the final day of COP29 or the following morning, with the expectation that an announcement regarding financial support for affected countries, including Bangladesh, would be made. Meanwhile, Prof Dr Ahmed Kamruzzaman Majumder, Chairman of the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), told UNB that industrialised nations had promised to provide $100 billion annually by 2025, but they have failed to meet their commitments. This year, COP29 is focusing on ensuring long-term economic stability through climate change mitigation. Dr Majumder also noted that an agreement to establish a Loss and Damage Fund has been signed to assist affected countries. The fund, effective from 2025, will support the reconstruction and recovery of countries impacted by climate change, marking a significant achievement. International financial institutions are playing a vital role in climate financing at COP29. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and head of the Bangladesh delegation, told UNB that Bangladesh requires $8.5 billion annually for adaptation under its National Adaptation Plan (NAP). But, over the past two decades, only $3 billion has been raised from adaptation funds and the Least Developed Countries Climate Fund (LDCs), which is insufficient for 160 countries. She said the proposal to double the adaptation fund by 2025 is struggling with transparency issues and is failing to meet real needs.

Bangladesh sincerely wishes to see Baku COP a great success with a just and balanced outcome, particularly by delivering a concrete and rightful decision on New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said. If emissions are not rapidly reduced and adaptation adequately funded this will expose the most vulnerable countries – like Bangladesh – to unmanageable levels of risk, she said at a press conference of Bangladesh delegation at the press conference room at Karabakh, Baku in  Azerbaijan on Wednesday. “As one of the most vulnerable countries due to climate change Bangladesh has been demonstrating an unwavering commitment to climate action since adoption of the UN Climate Change Convention and has played active role during COP29 negotiations,” she said. Narrating the situation in Bangladesh she said at least 300 villages and 1.5 million people remain inundated in a coastal district in Bangladesh. “This year alone, we experienced two devastating floods of unprecedented scale that impacted 1.7% of our total budget. Moreover, over 26 million people are exposed to very high salinity and water scarcity in the southwestern coastal regions in Bangladesh and are exposed to sea level risk.” Expressing frustration she said the global North, oil producing and other big emitting countries still lack the feeling of urgency and true commitment in implementing the Paris Agreement. Existing plans and policies to mitigate climate change remain far from what is needed to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C, she said.  “We are in a critical decade which determines our course whether to keep us well below 1.5°C or put us in a dangerous world towards 2.1–2.8°C pathway, even if we implement all the current Nationally Determined Contribution targets.” According to the Adaptation Fund Gap Report of 2023, Bangladesh alone needs approximately 8.5 billion USD per year to adapt to the devastating impacts of climate change. Yet, only around 3 billion USD is currently being allocated through domestic sources. This leaves a massive shortfall of 5.5 billion USD, a gap that must be filled through external grant based finances. On a global scale, the total adaptation finance gap is 366 billion USD per year as determined by needs assessment. “This figure is deeply concerning and cannot be ignored. If we are to meet our adaptation needs, we must close the gap now, before the cost of inaction becomes unbearable,” said Rizwana. Bangladesh expressed concern that there is slow progress on climate finance agenda items particularly on loss and damage fund and New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) outcome. Under the NCQG negotiation, Bangladesh is emphasizing on adequate and quality financing of USD 1.3 trillion for adaptation, mitigation and loss and damage, she said. Bangladesh also proposed grant-based financing for adaptation and loss and damage, as well as highly concessional financing for mitigation. “Public source of financing should be the primary source for NCQG, while private sector might have a supportive role. At least 20% of that finance should flow through UNFCCC and Paris agreements funding windows. (Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund, LDC Fund and Global Environment Facility trust fund),” said the adviser. Standing Committee on Finance should develop a climate finance definition to ensure transparency and accountability of Climate Finance, she said. “Unfortunately, we could not reach agreement on the review of the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) for Loss and Damage. While work continues at the Board level to determine how the new Fund for responding to Loss and Damage will operate, we call for further pledges and its’ true operationalization,” she said. On Global Goal on Adaptation, Parties failed to resolve differences and Subsidiary Bodies forwarded the draft text to the CMA, who considered the draft text as work in progress, she aid. “We hope Parties will engage during next SBs before adopting a decision at CMA7 next year.” It is disappointing to see the slow progress on the Mitigation Work Programme- the only agenda on mitigation. The issue of linking the 1st GST outcome to mitigation work programme has been the main stumbling block. “As for Bangladesh, we can transition to a renewable pathway with higher ambition and fulfill the conditional commitment of the NDC only if required finance and technical supports are provided,” Rizwana said.

Bangladesh’s banking sector is grappling with bad loans and significant losses, despite once being a consistently profitable industry. The latest quarterly financial reports reveal that nine banks collectively lost Tk1,663.38 crore in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25. According to economist Prof Abu Ahmed, unchecked corruption, misuse of regulatory frameworks and the appointment of dishonest and unskilled people to key positions have contributed to the current turmoil. “These banks were profitable before the past fascist government abused the banking system. A large amount of money deposited by ordinary citizens was looted, leading to the current crisis,” he said. Prof Mustafizur Rahman, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), highlighted that substantial funds had been misappropriated through fake documents. “This looting has resulted in massive losses for the banks,” he noted. Banking sector needs drastic reforms to restore trust: BB Governor Bangladesh Bank (BB) has initiated a taskforce and is in the process of appointing international audit firms to evaluate the assets of various banks. Preliminary investigations by the central bank indicate that after 2017, a significant volume of loans was issued against fraudulent documents to paper-based companies affiliated with the S. Alam Group and their associates. The misappropriated funds were reportedly laundered to countries such as Singapore, the UK, the USA, Canada, and other European nations. Consequently, many banks are struggling to meet their clients’ demands and are facing operational losses in the July-September quarter. The central bank’s report identifies National Bank, Exim Bank, Bank Asia, Islami Bank Bangladesh, Union Bank, Al-Arafah Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank and ICB Islamic Bank as having incurred losses amounting to Tk1,663.38 crore during this period. The profits of ten other banks, including AB Bank, Midland Bank, Rupali Bank, IFIC Bank, NRB Bank, Dhaka Bank, Dutch-Bangla Bank, Southeast Bank, Premier Bank, and Eastern Bank, have also declined compared to the same period in the previous year. National Bank posted the highest loss, reporting a post-tax deficit of Tk699.47 crore in the July-September quarter, an increase of Tk201.96 crore or 40% from the same period last year. Exim Bank reported a post-tax loss of Tk566.3 crore, a drastic shift from a profit of Tk533.9 crore in the same period of 2023—a decrease of Tk619.42 crore. Bank Asia recorded a loss of Tk103.13 crore, compared to a profit of Tk277.4 crore the previous year, marking a decrease of Tk130.88 crore. Similarly, Islami Bank faced a loss of Tk89.2 crore, down from a profit of Tk94.4 crore last year, reflecting a decline of Tk183.67 crore or 194%. Union Bank reported a loss of Tk80.18 crore, a stark contrast to its Tk52.8 crore profit in the same period of 2023, representing a drop of Tk132.98 crore or 252%. Other banks, including Al-Arafah Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, and ICB Islamic Bank, also experienced notable declines in their profits or increased losses.

Jashore’s Abhaynagar may fail to achieve the target of Aman production this year as crops on 1, 826 hectares of lands have been damaged due to waterlogging in Bhabadah Beel, leaving farmers worried. Though the upazila usually sees a bumper yield of transplanted Aman paddy every year, this year’s scenario is different. According to the upazila agriculture office, the target for Aman cultivation in eight unions and one municipality this season was set at 7,550 hectares—1,790 hectares of hybrid varieties, 5,825 hectares of high-yield varieties and 25 hectares of local varieties. But 7,640 hectares of lands were brought under Aman cultivation, an increase by 90 hectares compared to the target. The farmers and agriculture officials predict that the upazila will face a deficit of 9, 375 metric tonnes out of targeted 38020 metric tonnes this year. Last year, the Ropa Aman paddy was cultivated on 7, 550 hectares of land while this number stood at 5, 814 hectares, a decrease by 1, 736 hectares this year. All the Ropa Aman planted on 835 hectares of lands in Sundoli union were damaged. Read:Govt to procure 3.5 lakh MT Aman paddy at Tk 33 per kg Three hundred and ten hectares of lands out of 850 hectares have been damaged in Nawabganj union, 533 hectares out of 1, 154 in Prembag union, 60 out of 1,011 hectares in Chalishia union, 88 out of 605 hectares in Payra union. The highest 1,392 hectares of Ropa Aman were cultivated in Sreedharpur union. Besides, Bagutia, Shubharara and Siddhipasha unions have cultivated the paddy on 1,305 460 and 140 hectares of land this year. Ujjal Das, a farmer from Sundoli’s Arpara village, said he leased one acre of land in Shurirdanga Beel for transplanted Aman. However, the entire crop has been damaged by waterlogging. Echoing Ujjal, another farmer Rabiul Islam from Chalishia’s Kota village, said he planted Aman on two bighas in Chatra Beel, but all his crops have been destroyed. “We’re living in despair, with waterlogged yards and no yield. We need government compensation to survive,” he said. Abhaynagar Upazila Agriculture Officer Lovely Khatun blamed the waterlogging for the possible shortfall of the Aman paddy this year. “The government is working with utmost sincerity to resolve the waterlogging issue permanently. For areas where water may recede within 20–25 days, short-duration, high-yield BINA-14 paddy cultivation is being recommended. We’re also focusing on boosting vegetable production,” she said. Under the agricultural rehabilitation programme, 475 farmers are receiving high-yield vegetable seeds and a cash grant of Tk 1,000 each. Read more: 17, 359 MT rice, 7, 614 MT Aman paddy to be collected from Naogaon this season Efforts are also being made to prioritise boro paddy cultivation for the upcoming season, she added.

The Sultanate of Brunei has offered to export 12-18 LNG (liquefied natural gas) cargoes to Bangladesh under a long term contract of 10 years, with an option to extend the deal for a further five years. According to a document seen by UNB, the Brunei Energy Services and Trading (BEST) Sdn Bhd, sent the offer to Bangladesh state-owned Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Limited (RPGCL). Each cargo size under the proposal would be approximately between 3,100,000 and 3,200,000 MMBtu (Million British Thermal Unit, a unit used to measure LNG), with the price quoted at JKM+0.87 USD per MMBtu. JKM stands for Japan Korea Marker, an index that measures the price of LNG delivered to Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan, and is accepted as the Asian standard. The JKM as of November 20, according to S&P Global, is 14.65 USD. In the past, Bangladesh has usually imports LNG cargoes measuring 3,360,000 MMBtu. The BEST, Brunei’s state-owned company, is primarily engaged in the trading of crude oil, LNG and methanol in the regional energy market while the RPCL is a subsidiary of the state-owned Petrobangla which remains engaged in importing LNG from abroad. Govt approves import of LNG from Brunei Official sources at Petrobangla said that the idea of importing LNG from the energy-rich Southeast Asian nation is not new, as Bangladesh had received an offer from the country in 2018 as well. That led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two ‘brotherly’ nations in August 2018.        But that MoU did not materialise into the proposed energy trade between the two nations which finally resulted in extension of the deal between Dhaka and Bandar Seri Begawan for another 5 years. Official sources said the final push came from Brunei in this regard when its Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah paid a 3-day state visit to Bangladesh on October 15-17 in 2022. Initially Bangladesh agreed with the offer, a top level source at Energy and Mineral Resources Division said, speaking on condition of anonymity considering the sensitivity of the subject. There are widespread allegations that the then-state minister for energy and power Nasrul Hamid was opposing the offer as his business interests were best served by LNG supply from the international spot market. As a result, Brunei became disappointed with such opposition from Hamid, the source said. After the fall of the Awami League government in a mass uprising last August 5, Brunei resumed its courtship, and this time saw a breakthrough.       The Energy and Mineral Resources moved the Petrobangla’s proposal to import LNG from Brunei on a long term basis under a government-to-government (G-to-G) contract. The Advisory Council Committee on Economic Affairs (ACCEA), in a meeting with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair, approved the proposal in principle on November 13. Currently, Bangladesh has been importing a total 3.5 million metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG from Qatar and Oman on a long term basis under G-to-G agreements. Qatar supplies 2.5 MTPA on a 15-year contract while Oman supplies 1 MTPA on a 10-year contract. Last year, the then-Awami League government signed two more contracts with the two countries and also with US-based Excelerate Energy and local conglomerate the Summit Group to increase the import by another 5.5 MTPA of LNG. Summit’s LNG terminal unlikely to resume operations before September About Brunei's proposal, Petrobangla Chairman Zanendra Nath Sarker said the deal is at the stage of ‘in principle’ approval, now the state hydrocarbons agency will start negotiations to finalise the price, and also a contract period. “Until negotiations end, nothing will be set regarding the price and contract period of the supply,“ he told UNB.

Bangladesh, one of the nations most affected by climate change, is not receiving adequate financial support as promised under international agreements, said Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. Talking to UNB during the ongoing COP29 summit in Baku, Rizwana expressed dissatisfaction with the global financing mechanisms, saying that a significant portion of funds is being offered as loans rather than grants. "We do not want to take on more debt, this increases our financial burden." Delays in mitigation measures by developed nations are exacerbating climate risks and reducing disaster management capacities, she said, adding, "Our losses are increasing and risks growing due to these delays." Rizwana stressed the need for ensuring quick and sufficient disbursement of loss and damage funds and for some disasters like salinity intrusion both financial and technological solutions are needed. "To tackle salinity, we need research on how to sustain food and crop production in affected areas. Without adequate funding and technology, it will be challenging for Bangladesh to address such issues," she said. Highlighting Bangladesh's vulnerability, the adviser said two severe floods this year caused $1.7 billion in damages, equivalent to 1.8% of the national budget. Over the past 18 months, the country has experienced 15 climate-induced disasters, leaving 1.2 million people waterlogged, she said. “Despite contributing only 0.4% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Bangladesh faces disproportionate impacts. The country aims to reduce emissions by 22% by 2030 that requires $45 billion in domestic funds and $135 billion in international support,” she said. COP29: Bangladesh Urges Enhanced Adaptation Financing at High-Level Dialogue Rizwana said she called for stronger adaptation funds and sustainable financing at the summit. Grant-based funds and low-interest loans are crucial to avoid overburdening vulnerable nations like Bangladesh, she said, urging the developed countries to honor their commitments under the Paris Agreement. The adviser also highlighted the critical funding gap in adaptation measures, noting that Bangladesh requires $8.5 billion annually but can only mobilize $3 billion from internal sources, causing a $5.5 billion shortfall. Rizwana said at the conference she called for a "Three Zeros Vision"—zero carbon emissions, zero poverty, and zero unemployment—and sought global cooperation to achieve this goal. Former additional secretary Manjurul Hannan Khan, another member of Bangladesh’s delegation attending the conference, expressed skepticism about meaningful outcomes from COP29. "Despite promises of $100 billion annually under the Paris Agreement, only about $20 billion is currently available. Developed countries are falling short of their commitments," he told UNB. He also criticised the preference of developed nations for providing loans or private sector investments instead of direct financial aid to vulnerable countries like Bangladesh. This COP29 is termed the 'Finance COP,' but whether it will deliver remains uncertain, Hannan said. The latest round of UN climate talks, known as COP29, began in Baku, Azerbaijan on November 11. This comes after a year that saw numerous extreme heat records broken and massive climate-driven chaos, like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires in almost every part of the world. This year's conference, dubbed the "climate finance COP," aims to significantly raise financial commitments to help vulnerable nations mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.

The government is spending about Tk 40 crore taka through 3 projects to renovate a 13-kilometre road from Gowainghat Upazila Sadar to Salutikar Bazar in Sylhet. The Salutikar-Gowainghat Road is a very important road in Gowainghat Upazila of Sylhet. It is the only road for the residents of Nandirgaon, Toakul, Rustumpur, Bichnakandi, West Jaflong, Gowainghat Sadar, Lengura and Madhya Jaflong unions of Gowainghat Upazila. The Salutikar-Gowainghat Road is the only means of communication by road between the residents of the 8 unions and the district headquarters. Along with the local residents, thousands of domestic and foreign tourists use this road to visit Bichnakandi and Pantumai, both popular tourist centres.  But there have been various complaints against the contractor, "DCL & MDH (JV)" for the renovation of this important road, including allegations of "cutting the belly of the road" - filling the road with soil from its adjoining areas, potentially weakening them for further erosion and vulnerable to further flooding, instead of bringing the soil from elsewhere. Target set to collect 3,000 mts molasses from date palm trees in Chuadanga Our correspondent visited the site with stakeholders on Monday (November 18) afternoon, to get a sense of the real picture of the road being filled with soil by what is being called cutting the stomach of the road. While there, former members of Nandirgaon Union Parishad Aptab Ali, Nizam Uddin, and social worker Abdul Hasim Chowdhury told UNB that the most risky part of the Salutikar-Gowainghat road is the section from Dashgaon Mosque Bazar to Salutikar Bazar.  This risky part of the road is submerged in flood water at least 10/12 times every year and the water flow is high in this part. Currently, the road being filled by ‘cutting the stomach of the road’ in the Damari Beel area, which will not be found when it rains. There is anger among pedestrians and local residents after seeing this happening. UNB was able to photograph soil being excavated from the side of the road. In this regard, Delwar Hossain, the owner of the contracting company DCL & MDH (JV), said: “There is no scope to cut the belly of the road and fill it with soil. I am looking into the matter seriously.” Gazipur faces alarming ecological damage: Study However, Deputy Assistant Engineer Ajmir Sharif, the officer in charge of the LGED for this road renovation work, said: “We have prohibited the contracting company from cutting the belly of the road and filling it with soil. But they are doing their job without listening to us.” In this regard, Gowainghat Upazila Engineer Rafiqul Islam said, “We have prohibited cutting the belly of the road and filling it with soil.” But when our correspondent called Sylhet District LGED Executive Engineer JM Farooq on his mobile on Monday evening to get a statement on this matter, he got angry and did not give any statement. In this regard, Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad said: “There is no question of cutting the belly of the road and filling it with soil. Immediate action will be taken to keep the road safe and cut the soil.”

The high-level ministerial meetings will begin on Tuesday at the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, to finalize crucial discussions held over the past week. Bangladesh, one of the countries most affected by climate change, is advocating for fair and just climate financing at this summit, which brings together nearly 200 global leaders. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to Bangladesh's Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, joined the conference on November 18 and has actively highlighted Bangladesh's climate vulnerability. She is set to present the nation’s proposals in alignment with other affected nations, emphasizing the need for enhanced funding for adaptation and mitigation strategies. The adviser told UNB that Bangladesh would uphold its commitment to the 1.5-degree Celsius temperature limit established by the 2015 Paris Agreement. She stressed that climate finance should prioritize the most vulnerable communities, and true climate justice would require raising the annual $100 billion financial aid target set for developed countries to support emissions reductions and climate resilience. Mirza Shawkat Ali, Director of the Department of Environment and Climate Change, mentioned that while junior-level discussions have covered various issues, finalization will occur at the ministerial meetings. Adviser Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change of Bangladesh, will attend the high-level segment (ministerial-level) meeting with representatives from other countries on Tuesday. He mentioned that she will present Bangladesh's proposals at the conference, highlighting the needs of climate-affected countries, including Bangladesh, which are enduring the severe impacts of climate change. Meanwhile, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government has emphasized the severe impact of climate change in his speech. In his address, the Chief Adviser highlighted the urgent risks posed by climate change, stressing that this crisis cannot be delayed and requires immediate collective action. He described the current state of civilization as self-destructive from an environmental perspective and called for the creation of a new, more sustainable civilization to address these pressing challenges. This year’s COP29 is centered around the critical issue of climate finance, with the level of commitment from wealthy nations likely to determine the overall success of the conference. While high-carbon-emitting developing countries like China and Gulf nations have yet to make significant contributions to the climate support fund, poorer nations have already raised demands for $1 trillion in climate-related compensation to address the impacts of climate change. Amid recent political shifts, reaching a consensus on climate goals has become increasingly challenging, as international perspectives and priorities continue to diverge. This division underscores the difficulty in forging a unified global response to the urgent climate crisis.