Bangladesh needs climate support, not debt, Rizwana tells Swedish delegation

Bangladesh, one of the worst victims of climate change, requires genuine support instead of debt, said adviser for environment, forests and climate change Syeda Rizwana Hasan.

She emphasised the need for clear definitions of climate finance to prevent Bangladesh from being overburdened with loans.

Rizwana made the remarks in a meeting with a high-level Swedish delegation, led by Dr Jakob Granit, Director-General of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), at the Bangladesh Secretariat here today, a press release of the ministry said.

Swedish ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Linus Ragnar Weeks was present and senior officials of the ministry and Sida were present.

During the meeting, they discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in sustainable development, climate finance, renewable energy, and water resource management.

Dr. Granit reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s transition to a greener economy, highlighting the importance of innovation and investment in sustainable sectors, including the ready-made garment (RMG) industry.

“We have a shared interest in accelerating Bangladesh’s sustainability agenda,” Dr. Granit noted.

Sweden is eager to collaborate with Bangladesh and European partners to promote job creation, trade, and climate-resilient investments, he said.

He stressed the urgent need for climate finance and support to address the challenges such as water resource depletion, pollution, and sea level rising.

The meeting also explored the RMG sector’s potential for sustainable growth, emphasising shared responsibility between buyers and producers to uphold fair labour practices and environmental sustainability, the release said.

Additionally, cooperation in plastic waste management, water resource mapping, and biodiversity conservation were discussed.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen collaboration and developing innovative financing mechanisms to support Bangladesh’s development goals.

Later, a Japanese delegation led by Matsuda Emiko, Deputy Director of the Climate Change Science and Adaptation Office at Japan’s Ministry of the Environment met Rizwana at her office. (BSS)