The developed countries should come forward right now in fulfilling their commitments to tackle the adverse effects of global climate change, Information and Broadcasting Minister Hassan Mahmud has said. He made the remarks at a meeting with Scottish parliamentarians Foysol Choudhury and Sarah Boyack on Thursday afternoon at the parliament building in Glasgow, Scotland. The minister is now in Glasgow to attend the 26th UN Conference of the Parties (COP26) on climate change. At the meeting Hasan said, "Although some funds have been allocated from the World Climate Fund for tackling disasters caused by climate change, no funds are being allocated for long term adaptation yet." "As a result, countries that are at risk of climate change including Bangladesh have to struggle now," the minister added. He said that under the leadership and encouragement of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for climate adaptation, scientists and researchers of Bangladesh have produced varieties of crops tolerant to drought, flood, submergence and salinity with the help of local funding. In an interview after the meeting, the minister said that he discussed with the two Scottish parliamentarians on how to form a friendship group between the two legislatures and work together on various issues of common interest. Foysol Choudhury lauded the overall progress of Bangladesh and its leading role in fighting climate change. Ashek-un-Nabi Chowdhury, Press Minister at Bangladesh High Commission, London was present at the meeting.

Swedish Minister of International Development Cooperatives Per Olsson-Fridh has expressed satisfaction at the use of his country's climate change adaptation support in Bangladesh.