Staff Reporter :
Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday stressed that addressing climate change requires joint efforts from scientists, policymakers, institutions, financiers, and the people themselves.
“Without the unity of these five groups, finding effective solutions to the climate crisis will remain impossible,” he said.
He made the remarks as chief guest at the opening session of a three-day training workshop titled “Navigating Climate Finance: Media Reporting”, jointly organized by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) in Dhaka.
The event was presided over by PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan, while Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and ERD Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky attended as special guests.
Praising the resilience of ordinary Bangladeshis in dealing with climate impacts, Dr. Salehuddin noted, “Bangladesh ranks among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. Coastal people fight for survival every day-we must draw on their experience and adaptive capacity.”
He pointed out that although international pledges on climate finance exist, they fall far short of the country’s needs. “Currently, Bangladesh requires around $30 billion. Yet even obtaining a modest IMF loan takes years. That is why strengthening our own capacity is essential,” he added.
Underscoring the importance of media engagement, the Finance Adviser said, “Journalists should not only focus on politics and social issues but also shed light on the realities of climate change and natural disasters. Through investigative reporting, they can play a vital role in raising public awareness.”
Citing Japan’s model, he suggested incorporating disaster preparedness into early education. “We should also introduce small measures such as keeping an emergency bag in every household,” he said.
Dr. Salehuddin further warned that true development cannot come at the expense of nature. “Before occupying land or building infrastructure in the name of progress, we must consider ecological balance and people’s livelihoods.
Only then can Bangladesh earn genuine global respect,” he concluded.
