At a book launch and photo exhibition in Dhaka, Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized that climate change is an urgent reality. She urged national preparedness, highlighting government adaptation projects and stressing the need for global action against fossil fuel dependency.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat but an undeniable reality that demands urgent action, said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources.
She was speaking as the chief guest at a special event titled “Discussion, Book Launching & Photo Exhibition on Lives on the Edge of Climate Change: Struggle, Hope and the Future,” held Thursday at DrikPath Bhaban in Shukrabad, Dhaka, said a press release.
“Adaptation must now be our national priority,” said Hasan, underscoring the importance of building resilience across sectors. She warned that despite the mounting climate crisis, developed nations continue to protect their fossil fuel-driven interests rather than act decisively. “There is no alternative to preparedness,” she asserted.
Highlighting the government’s response to climate-induced challenges, she noted that Bangladesh has already undertaken 42 projects under the Climate Change Trust Fund. Among them is the construction of 100 cold storage units where farmers can preserve their produce free of cost—a move aimed at boosting food security and protecting livelihoods.
She also revealed that embankment repair and reinforcement projects are ongoing in vulnerable coastal areas, with emergency initiatives already being implemented. Furthermore, policy efforts are underway to enable non-governmental organizations to access climate finance—an important step toward inclusive climate action.
The event was chaired by Tasmima Hossain, Chairperson of Breaking the Silence and Editor of The Daily Ittefaq. Other distinguished speakers included Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh; Dr. Shahidul Alam, eminent photojournalist and founder of Drik Picture Library; Md. Rakibul Hasan Mukul, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests; and Md. Zahurul Islam, Additional Director General of the Bangladesh Water Development Board.
Following the discussion, Advisor Hasan officially launched the book Lives on the Edge of Climate Change: Struggle, Hope and the Future, and inaugurated a companion photo exhibition portraying the lived realities of communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
The event brought together policymakers, development practitioners, activists, and artists, all united by a common goal: to spotlight the urgent need for preparedness and justice in the face of escalating climate risks.
