Dhaka: The United Kingdom (UK) is interested in forging a new partnership to bolster Bangladesh's capacity to mitigate and cope with climate change impacts. The interest emerged during a meeting where a high-level British delegation, led by British High Commissioner in Dhaka Sarah Cook, met with Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in environmental conservation and climate resilience.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during the meeting, both parties underscored their shared commitment to tackling pressing environmental challenges. These include climate change adaptation, groundwater depletion, pollution control, and river ecosystem restoration. Rizwana Hasan emphasized the critical role of local communities in fostering sustainable solutions, particularly in mangrove restoration and addressing the increasing salinity in coastal regions.
The environment adviser also highlighted the need for innovative strategies to curb illegal fishing and protect the livelihoods of traditional fishermen in the Sundarbans. Sarah Cook reaffirmed the UK's unwavering support for Bangladesh's climate resilience efforts, citing key British initiatives in locally-led adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and climate finance.
The discussion also touched on the UK's recent adjustments to its Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget. Cook assured that the UK remains committed to restoring the target when fiscal conditions allow. Despite these adjustments, she reiterated Britain's determination to play a leading role in global climate action and to support Bangladesh in achieving its environmental goals.
During the meeting, the British High Commissioner extended a formal invitation to Rizwana Hasan to attend two prestigious events in London. These include a ministerial roundtable on "Tackling Water Security across the Climate-Nature-Development Nexus," hosted by UK Minister for International Development, the Rt Hon Annaliese Dodds, MP, and the Water and Climate Reception at Buckingham Palace, hosted by His Majesty The King, on March 13 next year.
Both parties pledged to continue close collaboration on shared priorities, including climate finance, sustainable resource management, and international environmental forums. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to deepening the UK-Bangladesh partnership in climate action, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for both nations.
Later, a Chinese delegation, led by Cheng Tingyu of China Heavy Machinery Company, called on Syeda Rizwana Hasan at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The delegation expressed interest in supporting Bangladesh's environmental initiatives, offering assistance in introducing high-yield rubber varieties to enhance sustainability and economic growth.