Dhaka: The 3rd Climate Justice Assembly 2025 began today in the capital with strong calls to ensure accountability and justice from wealthy countries responsible for climate change. Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S. Murshid inaugurated the 2-day event at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in the capital, said a press release. Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter attended it as the chief guest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the environmental platform Dhoritry Rokkhay Amra (DHORA) organized the Climate Justice Assembly, which brought together around 2,000 participants, including government representatives, international climate movement activists, researchers, and representatives of climate-affected communities. In her address, Sharmeen S. Murshid emphasized that despite Bangladesh's minimal contribution to global carbon emissions, it is among the countries most severely impacted by climate change. She underscored the delays in action by countries of the Global North and how this affects poorer nations disproportionately, stating, "We are not indebted to them-rather, they are indebted to us. Climate justice is now a matter of accountability and effective action."
Farida Akhter further highlighted that climate justice encompasses justice, survival, and accountability. She criticized the continued reliance on fossil fuels and pointed out the significant gap in implementing commitments made under global agreements, including the Paris Climate Agreement, noting that "The Global North often offers loans instead of justice."
The inaugural session was chaired by Dr. Mujibur Rahman Howlader, Convener of the organizing committee, and moderated by Sharif Jamil, Member Secretary. Sanjeeb Drong, General Secretary of Bangladesh Adibasi Forum, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the urgency of climate justice for Bangladesh's national survival.
International representatives at the event also voiced criticism of wealthy countries' actions regarding climate finance. Lidy Nacpil of the Philippines, Coordinator of the Asian Peoples' Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD), called for a rapid transition away from fossil fuels and stronger global support for climate-vulnerable countries. Other notable speakers included Asad Rehman, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth; Cynan Houghton, Deputy Regional Program Director of Tara Climate Foundation; and Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh.
Ahead of the conference, more than a thousand local and international climate activists participated in a procession that began at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University campus, passed through Agargaon, and concluded at the conference venue.