Speakers urge allocation of 3.0 pc of GDP for climate finance in 2025–26 Budget
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Speakers on Wednesday at a seminar demanded that 3 per cent of Bangladesh's GDP be allocated for climate financing in the upcoming 2025–26 national budget.
The event, titled “National Budget 2025–26: Climate Budget And Coastal Bangladesh”, was held at the CIRDAP Auditorium in the city, organised by EquityBD in collaboration with COAST Foundation, CPRD, CDP, Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Sundarban Protection Movement, BCJF, Udayan, DUS, and SDI.
Chaired by disaster management expert Gawher Nayeem Wahra and moderated by COAST Foundation Executive Director Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, the keynote was presented by MA Hasan of the COAST Foundation.
Mr. Wahra said that the successful implementation of the Bangladesh Delta Plan hinges on resolving transboundary river issues.
He called for greater local involvement in embankment management.
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury argued for a minimum 3 per cent GDP allocation, advocating for climate-resilient infrastructure such as concrete embankments and clean water systems.
He emphasised the need for coordinated research to guide climate adaptation strategies.
AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami criticised the neglect of coastal communities in national development projects and called for better connectivity and livelihood programs for displaced populations.
Umama Fatema condemned environmentally harmful projects of the past, like the Rampal and Matarbari coal plants.
She stressed the disconnect between budget promises and actual implementation, urging stronger monitoring mechanisms.
The seminar concluded with a unified call for the government to prioritise climate-focused budget allocations, highlighting the urgent need to protect the lives and livelihoods of nearly 40 million people residing in Bangladesh's climate-vulnerable coastal regions.