Staff Correspondent

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adiver Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced that Bangladesh and the UK will deepen collaboration on climate change and environmental conservation.

She emphasised the need for capacity building, rainwater harvesting, and desalination initiatives, ensuring that these benefits reach the people. Rizwana Hasan called for the doubling of the $100 billion in climate financing to address the growing needs, stressing the importance of securing a better world for future generations.

Rizwana said at a meeting with British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, at the Secretariat today. Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry, was also present at the time.

Rizwana 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.

Their discussion focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in combating climate change, conserving the environment, and managing forests sustainably. Both parties explored further collaboration opportunities, including capacity building, technology transfer, and policy development.