Dhaka: The government has established a 25-member 'National Committee on Climate Finance' (NCCF) to streamline the nation's climate financing, carbon credit, and carbon trading activities under a unified national framework. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been appointed to chair the committee, with Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo serving as its vice-chairman.
According to United News of Bangladesh, PM's Special Assistant on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Saimum Parvez will coordinate the committee's activities, and the secretary of the environment ministry will act as the member secretary. Other significant members include State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, PM's Special Assistant on Health Dr. SM Ziauddin Hyder, and PM's Adviser on Education and other sectors Mahdi Amin.
Established under the direct leadership of the Prime Minister, the NCCF will define Bangladesh's national vision, goals, and strategic priorities concerning climate finance and carbon credits. It aims to provide comprehensive policy directions at the national level and ensure alignment with international commitments, particularly Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
The committee is responsible for advising on the development, approval, and implementation of the nation's carbon credit and climate finance framework. Its duties include providing policy guidance for carbon trading activities and overseeing the Designated National Authority's role in executing Article 6.
Additionally, the NCCF will finalize and recommend necessary amendments to policies, strategies, and guidelines related to climate finance. It will engage with bilateral and multilateral climate funds and international development partners, develop fund-mobilization strategies, and monitor and evaluate related projects and programs.
The committee is also tasked with overseeing the implementation and technical committees on climate finance, reviewing their reports, and providing necessary directives. It will address any complexities from inter-ministerial policy issues related to climate finance.
The committee includes the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and secretaries from 16 ministries and divisions such as local government, foreign affairs, economic relations, and others. Meetings are to be held at least twice a year, with the option for additional meetings as needed. The committee may also co-opt new members when required.
The gazette notification for the committee came into effect immediately upon its issuance.