Banani:Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan has highlighted the need for wealthy nations to be held accountable for their role in climate change. He expressed concern over the insufficient progress in global environmental protection efforts, emphasizing that affluent countries have not adequately addressed their responsibilities in mitigating climate impacts.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Moyeen Khan underscored the importance of the 'polluter pays' principle, which remains largely unfulfilled as wealthy countries have not met their obligations. He voiced these remarks during a national dialogue titled 'From Paris to Antalya Reviewing Climate Finance for Nature,' organized by Change Initiative at a hotel in Banani.
Dr. Moyeen Khan also discussed financial strategies, stating that borrowing is not inherently problematic if funds are utilized properly. He noted Bangladesh's history of maintaining its loan repayment capacity, even while financing development through borrowing. He referenced Germany's post-war reconstruction as an example of how borrowing can support long-term development when funds are invested wisely and transparently.
Furthermore, Dr. Moyeen Khan pointed to the country's economic resilience, attributing it partly to the informal economy, which he estimated to account for 60 to 70 percent of the overall economy and support millions of livelihoods. He also emphasized the challenge of balancing infrastructure development with environmental protection, acknowledging the public's demand for roads, industries, and other facilities in conjunction with sustainable planning.
The minister concluded by stating that the democratically elected government remains open to recommendations from civil society representatives and experts to develop policies that serve the welfare of the people.