United News of Bangladesh

The government has approved 29 new projects under the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (BCCTF) to address the growing threats posed by climate change. The approval was granted at the 62nd meeting of the Trustee Board, held at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Thursday. Chaired by Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the meeting was attended, among others, by Lieutenant General (retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Adviser to the Ministries of Home and Agriculture; Sharmin S. Murshid, Adviser to the Ministries of Women and Children, and Social Welfare; Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid; Secretary of Environment Dr Farhina Ahmed; and Secretary of Finance Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, among other high-ranking officials. These new projects have been designed to strengthen climate resilience, conserve the environment, and promote sustainable agricultural and urban development. Key initiatives include research on carbon emissions and climate-resilient agriculture in Bangladesh’s haor wetlands, as well as the development of eco-friendly technologies to enhance dairy production. Adviser Rizwana urges unified global action to tackle climate change The impact of climate change on plant phenology in four ecological hotspots will also be studied. Besides, the projects will focus on improving onion seed storage and production, adopting climate-smart agricultural technologies in char, haor, and coastal regions, and restoring water bodies in major urban centres like Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet. Afforestation along five canals in Narayanganj and conservation efforts in Gazipur’s Lobonadaha Canal are also planned. To ensure access to clean drinking water in remote regions, solar-powered deep tube wells will be installed in the hill tracts of Rangamati, while safe drinking water initiatives will be introduced for affected communities in Bandarban. Other notable projects include subsidised jute bags as an alternative to plastic, expansion of palm and mangrove plantations, biodiversity conservation, and research on antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The projects will be implemented by various government agencies and research institutions, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board, the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Chittagong, the Department of Public Health Engineering, the Bangladesh Agricultural University, the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, and the Department of Environment, among others. Hilly areas neglected in climate change interventions: Rizwana Speaking at the meeting, Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasised the need for a coordinated approach to tackling climate change. She expressed optimism that these projects would not only drive sustainable development but also ensure significant progress in environmental conservation and biodiversity protection.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said reducing air pollution is a time-consuming process dependent on economic capacity, development patterns, communication infrastructure, and the transport system. Thirty to 35% of Bangladesh’s air pollution originates from foreign sources, while 28% comes from power plants, underscoring the need for a well-defined action plan to control pollution, she said while speaking as the chief guest at a Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on the Bangladesh Clean Air Project on Wednesday. The workshop was held at the Department of Environment in Dhaka’s Agargaon. Rizwana, US Charge d’Affaires discuss critical environmental challenges Reducing air pollution is impossible without improving fuel quality and increasing refinery capacity. Even neighbouring countries that have enhanced their refineries still struggle with air pollution, often ranking among the most polluted cities. Therefore, Bangladesh must adopt a long-term strategy to combat pollution effectively, the adviser said. For the Clean project to be meaningful, tangible progress in pollution reduction must be visible. Merely monitoring and reporting the deterioration of air quality is not enough; concrete actions must be taken. The Department of Environment will launch a hotline where citizens can report air pollution issues during the winter months, added Rizwana. Adviser Rizwana urges unified global action to tackle climate change "This project must be designed in a way that ensures visible improvements in air quality. If we can reduce dust pollution by 13% and control industrial emissions, we will make significant progress,” she said. The World Bank has already joined the project, and more development partners should be engaged to ensure that it meets the country's real needs and provides practical solutions for the people, Rizwana also said. Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr Md Kamruzzaman, and World Bank Manager-Environment Christian Albert Peter spoke at the event, among others.

China and India will be requested to ensure that planned dams on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh and near the Tibet border are constructed without compromising Bangladesh’s interests, said Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. “We have formally sought information from China regarding their hydropower project near Tibet. They assured us that lower riparian countries will not be adversely affected. However, we have sought further data through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,”she said responding to a journalist’s question after attending a board meeting at the River Research Institute’s circuit house. Rizwana, US Charge d’Affaires discuss critical environmental challenges Padma and Teesta rivers are already experiencing reduced water flow and if the Brahmaputra’s flow is reduced, the riverine nature of Bangladesh will face severe challenges, she said. Syeda Rizwana shared directives given to the River Research Institute to expand its scope and visibility. Among these are identifying pollution levels in industrial zones and pinpoint GPS locations of contamination in major rivers around Dhaka. “This approach will reduce reliance on external funding for tackling river pollution. The institute has also been instructed to assess the ecological impacts of sand extraction from rivers,” she added. Following the briefing, the adviser inspected the institute’s operations. Among those present were River Research Institute Director General SM Abu Huraira, Water Development Board Director General Tahmidul Islam, Shipping Ministry Secretary Mohammad Yusuf, and Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Kamrul Hasan Molla. Adviser Rizwana urges unified global action to tackle climate change China recently approved the construction of the world’s largest dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet’s Medog County, near the border with India. The project, described as China's most ambitious, was officially announced in 2020. In response, Indian officials began exploring the possibility of building a counter-dam to address potential disruptions caused by China's project.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Monday said the country’s hilly districts have been neglected in the climate change interventions, though the areas face a devastating impact. “When we talk about climate change and adaptation, yes, we do talk about Cox’s Bazar and the coastal areas….. We really don’t talk about the hill areas where the climate changes also have a devastating impact,” she said. The environment adviser made this remark while addressing the national-level launching event of a project titled “USAID Host and Impacted Community Resilience Activity” at Hotel InterContinental here. This five-year US$ 70,199-activity will be implemented in four districts --Cox’s Bazar and three Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT) districts-- to empower the communities to improve well-being and resilience. Polythene ban must be implemented for better future: Adviser Rizwana Noting that this project is a very important intervention, she thanked the US government and USAID for coming forward to support the people of a region whose names are really not mentioned much in the climate change talks. Rizwana said the country’s natural resources-rich three CHT districts and Cox’s Bazar should be seen as areas of potential, not problems. “The natural resources rich areas like Cox’s Bazar and the hilly districts of Bangladesh should actually be seen not as areas of problems but as areas of potential. Regrettably because of different interventions and geopolitics over the decades we have turned them into areas of conflicts and areas of problems,” she said. Rizwana, also the Water Resources Adviser, said the Department of Public Health and Engineering claimed they supply water to 63 percent of the population in Rangamati, 61percent in Bandarban and 78 percent in Khagrachhari. “If we accept this government-given statistics true, then also a huge number of people are left behind and are not getting access to public water supply,” she said, adding that the USAID project that talks about the supply of water will have a very positive impact on those who are left behind and those who are not covered by the government’s network. Youth must lead in protecting environment and nature: Adviser Rizwana Citing that the restaurants of indigenous food in Dhaka are pretty popular, the adviser said in this era of internet and increased tourism, the people of Bangladesh have a quiet taste of indigenous food and that is a way of showing respect to their culture. She said the indigenous food, cloth, jewelry and food production system can actually be assisted to find a place in the mainstream markets. Chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in Dhaka Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson said Cox’s Bazar and CHT areas are important regions that have tremendous natural beauty and resources and very rich coastal heritages and also regions that face challenges – challenges from natural disasters like cyclones and flooding. These challenges prevent the people from achieving economic outcomes in food security and in educational outcomes they want, she said. Jacobson said the influx of Rohingyas to this area has put pressure on local infrastructures and local resources and complicated the problems. “Developing sustainable solutions requires us to work together and leverage local expertise to lead the way. This is why we are bringing together partners from government, business, civil society, and most importantly – community members – and equipping them with the skills and resources they need to build brighter and more prosperous futures for themselves,” she said. President of Friends in Village Development Bangladesh (FIVDB) Dr Manzoor Ahmed delivered the welcome speech at the function. Plan to revive 19 canals in Dhaka finalised: Rizwana The USAID Host and Impacted Community Resilience Activity 2024-2029, to be implemented by local organization FIVDB, will provide people with job skills training and economic opportunities, improve access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation and hygiene, and prepare host communities to better mitigate the effects of natural disasters. The initiative will also bring host and impacted communities together with local authorities to protect over 35,000 hectares of land and conserve the area’s precious natural resources. This new programme builds upon U.S. government support for host communities in Bangladesh as part of more than $2.5 billion in assistance for the regional Rohingya response since August 2017, which includes more than $2.1 billion of support for refugees and host and impacted communities in Bangladesh. Under the Host and Impacted Community Resilience Activity, FIVDB will lead a consortium of partners comprised of Nature Conservation Management (NACOM), DevWorks International, Helen Keller International, Christian Aid, and the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation alongside local organizations from the Chittagong Hill Tracts that includes ANANDO, ASHIKA Development Associates, and Bolipara Nari Kalyan Somity to implement this activity.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that the recent comments made by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir regarding the upcoming national election were political in nature and not indicative of any rift between the BNP and the government. Responding to journalists’ questions during a press conference at the Secretariat on the progress of the "Natural Capital Mapping" initiative, Rizwana said that there was no gap between them. Fakhrul had called on the interim government to take action for holding the national election between July and August. DoE fines over Tk 24 lakh, closes 9 brick kilns for polluting environment Rizwana said, “This is not a question of a gap. If you observe the whole process, the reform commissions are working, and all political parties, including the BNP, have provided written opinions. Therefore, they have accepted the idea of reforms. They have been saying from the beginning that reforms are necessary.” She also said, “Any political party can make its political statement. They have an audience, and they will speak their mind. There is no issue of a gap here. The statements made by political parties are their political statements. There is no room for conflict here.” The adviser added that decisions will be reached through discussions, and that Fakhrul's comments should be viewed as those of a political party spokesperson, while the government's stance was from their official position. The adviser also said that discussions with political parties are expected to begin by mid-February. When asked about talks with the Jatiya Party, she mentioned that several issues, including reforms, the election roadmap, and the demand for justice, were being addressed concurrently.  Formal talks with political parties over reforms likely in Feb: Rizwana Regarding Bangladesh's water rights, the adviser reaffirmed the country’s commitment to protecting its interests over shared rivers. With the Ganges treaty set to expire soon, she announced that efforts to extend it until 2026 were underway, with discussions planned with India. On the matter of the Teesta master plan, Rizwana raised concerns about public understanding of the plan. She asserted that consultations with local people would be held starting next month to ensure their concerns were reflected in the plan, irrespective of its specific title. Taskforce to work with time-bound action plan to address air pollution : Syeda Rizwana Lastly, responding to a question about the ongoing efforts to bring Sheikh Hasina back from India, Rizwana said that the Indian position, based on available information, indicated that she would not be returned. An official response will be provided once received.

Rooftop gardens are vital for ensuring chemical-free food and improving air quality in urban areas, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said on Sunday. Turning Dhaka's rooftops into green spaces can reduce carbon emissions, regulate temperatures and enhance air quality, offering residents a healthier environment, she said at a seminar titled “Importance of Rooftop Gardens in Reducing Global Warming” held at the Jatiya Press Club. Rooftop gardens not only benefit the environment but also contribute to mental health and food security, said the adviser. Govt finalises plan for Swatch of No-Ground to protect marine biodiversity: Rizwana Dispelling concerns about structural risks, the adviser described fears of roof collapses as misconceptions. “Rooftop gardens are an effective solution in the fight against global warming," she said, adding that the government has initiated various measures to promote such practices which are actively raising public awareness. The seminar was chaired by Motaleb Mashreki from Dhaka-based organisation Shekar. Special guests included Jatiya Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan, Greenwatch Dhaka Editor Mostafa Kamal Majumder, agriculturist Dr Mehedi Masud, rooftop gardening movement pioneer Golam Haider and National Press Club member Momin Hossain. Environment Adviser seeks Chinese cooperation in air quality management Awards and saplings were distributed among rooftop gardeners during the event and the adviser planted saplings on the Jatiya Press Club premises after the seminar.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has recovered 16 acres of illegally occupied forest land in Gazipur since August 5 out of a total of 90 acres marked for reclamation, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said. She said this while addressing a discussion on forest and environmental conservation at the conference room of the Gazipur Deputy Commissioner’s office on Saturday. “No matter how powerful the illegal occupants are, strict action will be taken against them,” Rizwana said. Old, polluting buses in Dhaka to be scrapped to combat air pollution: Rizwana She said all occupied lands will be freed from illegal occupation within the next three months and instructed deputy commissioners to expedite the process of demarcating forest boundaries. Rizwana warned that strict actions will also be taken to prevent deforestation and pollution caused by industries. She advised the Department of Environment to thoroughly review all aspects before issuing permits and include public opinion during the renewal process. The Adviser called upon all stakeholders including citizens and organisations to actively contribute to environmental protection efforts. Certain areas to be declared ‘no brickfield zones:’ Rizwana The discussion, presided over by Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin, was attended by key officials, including the Superintendent of Police, the Commander of the Army Security Unit, the Commander of 63 BGB, the Secretary of Gazipur City Corporation, representatives from the Forest Department and the Department of Environment, local representatives, environmental activists, and government and non-government officials. The participants discussed pressing issues such as local environmental degradation, illegal forest occupation, and industrial pollution.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Thursday said a task force will be formed very soon and certain areas will be declared as "no brickfield zones" in a bid to control air pollution. “The government is making every effort to control air pollution. As part of this initiative, a task force will be formed very soon that will work until the next monsoon. Besides, certain areas are set to be declared as ‘No Brickfield Zones’ (to control air pollution),” she said while speaking at an inter-ministerial meeting at the Local Government Division conference room at the Secretariat. Govt committed to ensuring cost-effective, high-quality energy: Rizwana The meeting focused on strategies to combat air pollution in Dhaka and surrounding areas during the dry season. Recognising that air pollution cannot be resolved overnight, the meeting encouraged people to wear masks. Rizwana said old vehicles will be removed from the streets within the next six months, and police have already been instructed to restrict open trucks from entering the capital. “Sources of air pollution are being identified, and measures are being implemented. Strict steps are being taken to control dust from construction work, emissions from brick kilns, and vehicle exhaust,” she said. Final list of rivers to be published on Pahela Baishakh: Adviser Rizwana The adviser emphasised the importance of raising public awareness, enforcing laws, and enhancing monitoring systems to address the issue effectively. She instructed the authorities concerned to spray water to reduce dust during construction, cover construction materials, and use protective barriers. She stressed the need for regular use of vacuum trucks for cleaning roads, prompt road repairs, planting grass along roadsides, ensuring designated waste disposal areas, and banning the burning of waste. At the meeting, LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said initiatives will be taken to recover canals and develop open spaces as playgrounds. ‘Resolve conflicts through dialogue with govt, avoid destructive activities that can harm national interest’: Adviser Rizwana  He put emphasis on integrated efforts to improve the country’s environmental quality. The meeting decided that effective laws will be implemented to control pollution, and regular monitoring will be carried out. All necessary steps will be taken, including regular spraying of water to control dust.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said the interim government is working to ensure a sustainable, cost-effective, and high-quality energy sector. The government would adopt necessary policies and legal frameworks to achieve this goal. Public opinion would be given significant importance, and it would be reflected in the revised action plans for the energy sector, she said while speaking as the chair at the Bangladesh Energy Prosperity 2050 conference on Wednesday. ‘Fighting my own shadow,’ says energy adviser about bureaucratic challenges The conference was held at the BIAM Foundation Complex in Dhaka. Although existing agreements are inconsistent, canceling them is both costly and time-consuming. Therefore, progress must be made through careful planning. She added that directives have been issued to publish the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) of power projects on websites. Riwana emphasized the need for modern building designs to promote energy efficiency and urged for increased use of renewable energy. She also suggested tree plantation on lands acquired for power projects. Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan spoke at the event as chief guest. CA urges EU to extend support to transform Bangladesh’s energy sector Government officials, energy experts, academics, and development partners participated in the conference. Discussions focused on addressing the energy crisis, promoting renewable energy, and ensuring efficient energy use.

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.