Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today emphasized the necessity for all government agencies in Bangladesh to transition to renewable energy within the next two to three years. She stated that such a move would set a precedent for the entire nation to follow.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana Hasan, who also advises the Ministry of Water Resources, delivered her remarks as the Chief Guest during the opening plenary session of the international conference titled ‘Road to COP30: How Can National Interests Be Aligned with Global Climate Goals?’ The event was held at BRAC Centre Inn. The conference theme was ‘A World Beyond Crisis: Climate Solutions That Work’, as detailed in a press release from the ministry.
Rizwana underscored the progress made in Bangladesh’s environmental governance. She highlighted efforts by the Department of Environment (DoE), supported by the World Bank, to construct green office complexes across various regions and collaborate with architects and engineers to develop energy-efficient, eco-friendly building models.
The adviser warned about the detrimental impacts of double counting climate finance and weak global governance, which have eroded trust and hampered genuine support for climate adaptation. She stressed that Bangladesh must remain vigilant in safeguarding its national interests, economic activities, and livelihoods, especially if emissions from major economies continue to rise.
Citing the government’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), Rizwana noted its broad national ownership and the involvement of all pertinent ministries and agencies. She directed the DoE to devise a comprehensive work plan with sector-specific emission reduction strategies for transport, agriculture, and industry, complete with clear timelines and measurable actions.
Rizwana also discussed the newly established Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership (BCDP), revealing that four working groups have been formed. She urged the inclusion of civil society organizations and academia to offer technical guidance and policy insights.
Addressing the environmental harm caused by traditional brick kilns, Rizwana advocated for a shift towards alternative building materials to reduce carbon emissions, protect farmland, and prevent hill cutting. She suggested using dredged river sediment in brick production as a sustainable substitute for fertile topsoil.
Highlighting adaptation priorities, she emphasized the need for coastal afforestation, rainwater harvesting, and low-cost desalination technologies to enhance resilience in Bangladesh’s climate-vulnerable coastal areas. She called on development partners to provide financial and technological assistance to aid Bangladesh in implementing local solutions.
The session also featured speeches from Dr. Ainun Nishat, Advisor at the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER), BRAC University; Dr. Shah Abdul Saadi, Deputy Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD); Md. Ziaul Haque, Director at the Department of Environment; Ulrich Kleppmann, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Development Cooperation, Embassy of Germany; Mohammed Sohel, Director at BGMEA; Shirin Sultana Lira, Programme Manager at the Embassy of Switzerland; and Mousumi Perven, Senior Climate Change Officer at ADB.
Khushi Kabir, Member of the CPD Board of Trustees, presided over the event.