Bangladesh has urged the Asian Development Bank to expand climate finance and support for resilient infrastructure, pollution control and environmental protection, as Dhaka seeks stronger international backing to protect vulnerable communities and confront worsening climate impacts across the country and safeguard natural resources nationwide.
Bangladesh has urged the Asian Development Bank to expand financing for climate resilience, pollution control and environmental protection as the country seeks greater support to address mounting climate risks.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo made the call during a meeting with ADB Vice-President for South, Central and West Asia Yingming Yang at the minister’s office in Dhaka on Monday.
The two sides discussed climate adaptation and mitigation, climate finance, forest and biodiversity conservation, air and plastic pollution, renewable energy and environmentally sustainable urban and infrastructure development, according to the ministry.
They also discussed increasing ADB technical and financial assistance for climate-vulnerable communities and disaster-resilient infrastructure.
Mintoo said Bangladesh contributes little to global climate change but remains among the countries severely affected by its impacts.
“The government is prioritising both adaptation and mitigation measures to protect the lives, livelihoods and natural resources of the country,” he said.
He said adequate, accessible and long-term financing from development partners was essential to implement those measures, while stressing that Bangladesh must first determine its own priorities.
Mintoo called for an expansion of ADB cooperation in environmental conservation, pollution control and climate-resilient development.
Yang praised Bangladesh’s efforts to address climate change and said the Manila-based development lender was interested in strengthening cooperation in environmental protection, climate-resilient infrastructure, clean energy and sustainable development.
The meeting also reviewed existing areas of Bangladesh-ADB cooperation, with both sides agreeing to explore potential new projects and programmes.
They said regular communication and coordination could further strengthen development cooperation between Bangladesh and ADB.
Mohammad Navid Shafiullah, an additional secretary at the environment ministry, and senior ADB officials also attended the meeting.
