Dhaka: Bangladesh, one of the nations most affected by climate change, requires genuine support rather than accumulating debt, articulated Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the adviser for environment, forests, and climate change. She stressed the significance of clear definitions of climate finance to safeguard Bangladesh from becoming burdened with loans.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana conveyed these concerns during a meeting with a high-level Swedish delegation led by Dr. Jakob Granit, Director-General of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The Swedish ambassador to Bangladesh, Nicolas Linus Ragnar Weeks, along with senior officials from the ministry and Sida, were also present.
The discussions centered around enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as sustainable development, climate finance, renewable energy, and water resource management. Dr. Granit reiterated Sweden’s commitment to aiding Bangladesh’s transition to a greener economy, emphasizing the importance of innovation and investment in sustainable sectors, including the ready-made garment (RMG) industry.
“We have a shared interest in accelerating Bangladesh’s sustainability agenda,” Dr. Granit remarked, highlighting Sweden’s eagerness to collaborate with Bangladesh and European partners to foster job creation, trade, and climate-resilient investments. He underscored the urgent need for climate finance and support to confront challenges like water resource depletion, pollution, and rising sea levels.
The meeting also delved into the RMG sector’s potential for sustainable growth, emphasizing the mutual responsibility of buyers and producers to maintain fair labor practices and environmental sustainability. Additionally, discussions were held on cooperation in plastic waste management, water resource mapping, and biodiversity conservation.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to strengthening collaboration and developing innovative financing mechanisms to aid Bangladesh’s development goals. Subsequently, Rizwana met with a Japanese delegation led by Matsuda Emiko, Deputy Director of the Climate Change Science and Adaptation Office at Japan’s Ministry of the Environment.