BD expands climate adaptation measures

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday informed Parliament that the government has launched a comprehensive set of programmes and long-term strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change, with particular emphasis on water resource management, disaster resilience, renewable energy expansion and environmental protection.

Responding to a starred question from treasury bench member Md Robiul Awal of Tangail-6 in the Jatiya Sangsad, with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, presiding, the Leader of the House said addressing climate change has been prioritised in the government’s election manifesto.

He noted that Bangladesh remains one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations due to its geographical location, dense population, extensive river network and coastal characteristics.

Climate change, he said, is increasing both the frequency and severity of cyclones, storm surges, floods, flash floods, river erosion, droughts, excessive rainfall, lightning strikes, heatwaves and salinity intrusion, affecting agriculture, livelihoods, infrastructure, the environment and the national economy.

Highlighting key interventions, the Prime Minister said the Padma Barrage Project, involving an investment of Taka 34,347 crore, received approval on May 13 this year for first-phase implementation.

According to him, the project is expected to increase dry-season water flow in the Padma River through water conservation, revive river systems dependent on the Padma, reduce salinity intrusion in southern regions, restore ecological balance in the Sundarbans, improve drainage networks, lessen waterlogging, expand irrigation coverage and strengthen water security.

He added that the project is projected to generate 113 megawatts of hydropower and contribute an additional 0.45 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Tarique Rahman also said the government is carrying out a nationwide programme for the excavation and re-excavation of rivers, canals and other water bodies in line with its election commitment. The initiative aims to enhance the use of surface water, improve irrigation and drainage systems, increase agricultural production and support environmental sustainability.

As part of climate mitigation efforts, he said, the government has launched a nationwide campaign to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years. Annual tree fairs are being organised at national, divisional, district and upazila levels, while a three-month tree plantation drive will also be implemented.

The Prime Minister further informed Parliament that the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust has prioritised research, innovation, training and extension programmes to strengthen climate adaptation capacity.
Under these initiatives, natural reservoirs will be developed in coastal districts to preserve rainwater and ensure safe drinking water supplies. Special focus will also be placed on climate adaptation, livelihood protection and economic inclusion in coastal areas.
Measures are being taken to safeguard women, children, fishermen and other vulnerable communities from climate-related risks, he added.
To minimise the impact of cyclones and storm surges, the government will continue strengthening sustainable embankments, cyclone shelters and early warning systems.
Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh has initiated the preparation of a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Investment Roadmap with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to facilitate long-term climate adaptation measures under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Alongside adaptation initiatives, the government is preparing the Third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Under this framework, 25 percent of the country’s total electricity demand is targeted to be supplied from renewable energy sources by 2035. The government also plans to establish four Waste-to-Energy plants and 26 Integrated Landfill and Resource Recovery Facilities.
Afforestation and reforestation programmes covering 100,000 hectares of coastal, island and degraded lands will also be implemented.
The Prime Minister said work has begun on formulating Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies to further reduce emissions, while a comprehensive carbon market framework has been prepared under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to ensure transparent and organised participation in international and voluntary carbon markets.
He also highlighted Bangladesh’s progress in disaster management, saying the country has successfully shifted from a relief-oriented approach to a risk-reduction framework, significantly lowering disaster-related casualties and losses and earning international recognition for its achievements.
To strengthen preparedness, the government is expanding multi-hazard early warning systems, digital forecasting technologies, community-based alert mechanisms, the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), flood forecasting and warning services, and anticipatory actions for lightning, heatwaves and flash floods.
In addition, disaster-related information is now being disseminated to grassroots communities through Interactive Voice Response (IVR) services, the Prime Minister told the House.