Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today stressed the need for fair and transparent climate finance system to prevent vulnerable countries from falling into debt traps. She said climate finance must be rooted in justice, ensuring countries like Bangladesh are not burdened with unfair loans while addressing a crisis they did not cause. The international community must recognise the necessity of grants, not just loans, to support adaptation and mitigation efforts, she added. The Environment Adviser made these remarks at a National Dialogue on "Climate Justice in Climate Finance: Climate Debt Trap Risks for Bangladesh and Other LDCs" held at CIRDAP Auditorium here. In her speech, Rizwana underscored the importance of stronger global commitments to address the historical responsibility of developed nations in contributing to climate change. She urged industrialised countries to take responsibility and provide financial assistance in a manner that does not worsen the economic hardships of LDCs. The adviser said Bangladesh and other vulnerable nations are grappling with both environmental and economic crises, and climate finance must serve as a tool for empowerment, not exploitation. Dr Munzurul Hannan Khan, Executive Director of Nature Conservation Management (NACOM), Md Rafiqul Islam, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust (BCCT) and M Zakir Hossain Khan, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Change Initiative also spoke. The event gathered experts, policymakers and civil society representatives to discuss challenges and solutions regarding climate finance for developing nations. The dialogue focused on the increasing concerns surrounding the debt risks posed by international climate finance for Bangladesh and other Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
