TDS Desk:

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser on Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, has called for doubling the US$100 billion in climate financing to address the growing needs for environmental conservation.

She announced that Bangladesh and the UK will deepen collaboration on climate change and emphasised the need for capacity building, rainwater harvesting, and desalination initiatives.

On Monday, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, met with Syeda Rizwana Hasan at the Bangladesh Secretariat to discuss these issues. Dr Farhina Ahmed, secretary of the Ministry, was also present at the meeting.

Rizwana Hasan reiterated that climate change is a global crisis that demands urgent attention.

She highlighted the importance of youth involvement and called for the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) to be more effective. She also noted the unique challenges Bangladesh faces, such as water salination, the Rohingya crisis, and climate migration.

High Commissioner Cooke reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s environmental initiatives and emphasised the importance of joint action in achieving global climate goals.

Cooke also highlighted Britain’s ongoing efforts in conserving the Sundarbans and Hakaluki Haor and underscored the importance of youth engagement and the transition to green energy. The UK and Bangladesh will work closely together at the next COP.