Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman addresses UN climate justice and Bay of Bengal forum

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has addressed two major international platforms regarding regional security and environmental policy. Speaking at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Prime Minister advocated for global climate justice, noting that while Bangladesh contributes little to carbon emissions, its population suffers disproportionately from climate change. He called on developed nations to provide adequate financing and favorable fund disbursement terms ahead of the COP31 conference.

To address domestic environmental challenges, the Prime Minister outlined several initiatives, including a plan to plant 250 million trees over five years and the dredging of 20,000 kilometers of rivers and canals to manage floods and droughts. He also highlighted the Teesta Master Plan and the Padma Barrage Project as key components of the nation’s water resource management.

Additionally, Prime Minister Rahman inaugurated the fifth Bay of Bengal Conversation in Dhaka. The three-day forum, organized by the Centre for Governance Studies, brings together delegates from over 100 countries to discuss geopolitics, maritime security, technology, and climate change. The conference aims to explore solutions to the challenges and opportunities within the Bay of Bengal, serving as a vital link between South and Southeast Asia.