Bangladesh, UK to strengthen climate ties: Rizwana Hasan

Adviser for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said Bangladesh and the UK will deepen collaboration on climate change and environmental conservation.

Rizwana Hasan made the remark when British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke met her at the Bangladesh Secretariat here.

Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed was present on the occasion.

During the meeting, Rizwana stressed the need for capacity building, rainwater harvesting and taking desalination initiatives, ensuring that these benefits reach the people.

The environment adviser called for doubling the promised $100 billion in climate financing to address the growing needs, putting emphasis on securing a better world for future generations.

She reiterated that climate change is a global crisis which needs urgent attention.

Highlighting the importance of youth involvement, she called for the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) to be more effective.

Rizwana said Bangladesh has been facing unique challenges like water salinity, Rohingya crisis and climate migration.

British High Commissioner Cooke reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s environmental initiatives and emphasised the importance of joint action in achieving global climate goals.

She highlighted Britain’s ongoing efforts in conserving the Sundarbans and Hakaluki Haor, and underscored the importance of youth engagement and the transition to green energy.

The UK and Bangladesh will work closely together at the next COP, the British envoy added.

They discussed bolstering bilateral cooperation in combating climate change, conserving the environment, and managing forests sustainably.

Also, they explored for collaboration opportunities, including capacity building, technology transfer and policy development. (BSS)