DHAKA, August 5, 2018 (BSS) – Speakers at a workshop today underscored the
need for proper climate finance handling to address climate change issues for
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
They came up with the observation at the inaugural session of the half-day
dissemination workshop on “Climate Financing for Sustainable Development:
Budget Report 2018-19” at the Audit Bhaban in the City.
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of Bangladesh Mohammad Muslim
Chowdhury was present as the chief guest unveiling the “Citizens Climate
Budget Report 2018-19” at the function.
“Bangladesh has already shown its seriousness on the issues of climate
financing . . . So, the demand for proper handling of the financing issues is
raising gradually,” Chowdhury said.
He said CAG office need to look into the climate financing issue in a
careful manner to ensure its appropriate and transparent use.
Inclusive Budgeting and Financing for Climate Resilience (IBFCR) Project of
the Finance Division organised the workshop and report launching ceremony.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Abdullah Al Mohsin
Chowdhury was present as the special guest with Additional Secretary of the
Finance Division and National Project Director of the IBFCR Project M Jafar
Uddin in the chair.
IBFCR Project Manager Ranjit Kumar Chakraborty delivered the welcome
speech.
Mohsin Chowdhury said the Paris agreement on climate change emphasised the
consistent flow of financing for climate resilient development and low
greenhouse gas emission. “Bangladesh has taken some remarkable steps by
generating own flow of finance for addressing climate change,” he added.
He thanked the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her thoughtful decision of
preparing the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP) and
creating the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund from own source, saying the
BCCSAP and the Trust Fund are the foundation of our climate finance
framework.
Regarding the Climate Budget Report 2018-19, Mohsin Chowdhury said major 20
ministries will be spending Taka 18,948.76 crore for addressing climate
change which accounts for 9 percent of the total budget and 0.75 percent of
the country’s GDP.
“This figure indicates a growing importance for climate action within the
government,” he added.
He said Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry is going to start
preparing the National Adaptation Plan that will show the country’s long term
adaptation pathway for addressing climate change.
In the business session of the workshop, two presentations on “Climate
Finance Tracking Methodology” and “Climate Financing for Sustainable
Development: Budget Report 2018-19” were presented.
Finance Division Joint Secretary M Habibir Rahman chaired the business
session.