Stop embezzling of climate fund to protect risk-prone people
ANTI-CORRUPTION watchdog Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) revealed that around 55 per cent of climate change mitigation funds were wasted through various irregularities and corruptions mired projects. Climate change has been identified as a major challenge for the development of Bangladesh, life, and livelihood of its people, socio-economic progress, sustainability, and poverty eradication-hence over all the nation’s existence and security. Bangladesh receives massive contribution in this fund each year, lower than commitment. Still, the conflict of interest, nepotism, irregularities, and corruption already entangles the government’s competitiveness to spend the fund.
Of the Tk 68.16 crore fund in projects, Tk 37.07 crore was embezzled through various irregularities and corruption. Of the seven projects, four were on forestation projects implemented by Forest Department and three renewable energy projects under Municipalities and Power Development Board. There are allegations against a Minister’s personal assistant of accepting 10 per cent of project money in advance as bribes for three different projects. A former minister’s aide had directly influenced the project approval and contractor selection of the implementing agency in one of the two solar-powered streetlight projects. Although 650 kilowatts of solar power are generated per day under a project, the power is being wasted. There is no executive order to supply more than 50 kilowatts of electricity to the consumers daily.
Bangladesh has received funding from both national and international sources to mitigate climate change. The grant from national sources amounts to Tk 808.72 crore and from international sources, it is Tk 12,091.08 crore. However, only eight per cent of the fund is spent on mitigation activities. Bangladesh is the most affected by climate change; however, is lagging in fulfilling climate mitigation commitments and targets. In contrast, the government is investing in coal-based power, denying renewable energy. To ensure the proper flow of climate finance for promoting the national interest, especially for the welfare of the vulnerable population, ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in using these resources is necessary and urgent. The affected population for whom the funds have been allocated can be protected and delivered to the doorstep of the risk-prone people.
Bangladesh has received funding from both national and international sources to mitigate climate change. The grant from national sources amounts to Tk 808.72 crore and from international sources, it is Tk 12,091.08 crore. However, only eight per cent of the fund is spent on mitigation activities. Bangladesh is the most affected by climate change; however, is lagging in fulfilling climate mitigation commitments and targets. In contrast, the government is investing in coal-based power, denying renewable energy. To ensure the proper flow of climate finance for promoting the national interest, especially for the welfare of the vulnerable population, ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in using these resources is necessary and urgent. The affected population for whom the funds have been allocated can be protected and delivered to the doorstep of the risk-prone people.
