Dhaka, Sept 19 (V7N) – Climate finance must be allocated fairly between mitigation and adaptation sectors to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the assistance they need, said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministries of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources.
 
She made the remarks on Thursday afternoon while addressing the inaugural board meeting of the Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership (BCDP) on integrated climate financing, held at the Chief Adviser’s Office.
 
The adviser noted that Bangladesh is among the countries most exposed to climate-related disasters such as cyclones, floods, and salinity intrusion, which pose a direct threat to millions of lives and livelihoods. She stressed that effective climate financing strategies are essential for reducing risks and strengthening resilience.
 
“Climate funds must be distributed equally between mitigation and adaptation,” Hasan said. “Only then can vulnerable groups—those living in coastal belts, riverine areas, and drought-prone zones—access meaningful support. At the same time, projects must be prioritized carefully, ensuring transparency and fairness in every step of implementation.”
 
During the meeting, officials and development partners discussed ways to enhance coordination between government agencies, international donors, and NGOs to maximize the impact of climate finance. The board emphasized the need for clarity in project goals, robust monitoring mechanisms, and accountability to guarantee that funds directly benefit affected communities.
 
Bangladesh currently receives a significant portion of international climate finance commitments, but experts argue that disbursement and utilization remain uneven. While mitigation projects such as renewable energy development receive attention, adaptation efforts—including coastal embankment repair, climate-resilient agriculture, and safe water access—often face funding shortages.
 
Hasan urged stakeholders to work collectively to correct this imbalance and warned that without proper adaptation investments, marginalized groups will continue to bear the brunt of climate shocks.
 
The BCDP board meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen collaboration between the government and development partners, with a shared vision of safeguarding communities and promoting sustainable, climate-resilient growth.
 
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