Prime Minister has emphasized grants to address the adverse impacts of climate change: Rizvi

Bangla Press Desk :  BNP Acting Secretary General and Advisor to the Prime Minister, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, stated that the Prime Minister has emphasized grant-based financing—rather than loans—to address the adverse effects of climate change. He noted that the Prime Minister explicitly stated, "We need grants, not loans. Loans would only further increase the nation's debt burden. To tackle the risks posed by climate change, we require grants."
He made these remarks during a press briefing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday morning (November 13).

The BNP Acting Secretary General mentioned that on November 9, a 21-member delegation led by the Prime Minister traveled to Antalya, Turkey, to participate in the Conference of the Parties (COP-31), organized under the auspices of the United Nations. The conference was attended by heads of state and government from various nations, as well as high-level representatives from international organizations.

He added that through the COP-31 conference, the Prime Minister highlighted Bangladesh’s specific needs and the necessary actions required to address climate-related risks to the global leadership.

Rizvi stated that the Prime Minister presented a five-point proposal on behalf of Bangladesh aimed at mitigating the risks of global warming. These proposals cover areas such as climate financing, the distinction between loans and grants, investment in renewable energy, and ensuring access to modern technology.
He further noted that the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of international cooperation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions—a topic she also discussed with the Prime Minister of Australia.

Highlighting the Prime Minister’s climate-related initiatives, Rizvi mentioned her commitment to planting 250 million trees over the next five years. Already, between 30 and 40 million trees have been planted under this program over the past seven to eight months, with participation from various government institutions, non-governmental organizations, schools, and colleges.
He remarked that rising global temperatures and the resulting loss of life underscore the severity of climate change. This year, several European countries also experienced human fatalities due to intense heatwaves. Addressing such a situation requires global initiatives and mutual cooperation. Rizvi further stated that the proposals presented by the Prime Minister at the summit to strengthen climate adaptation initiatives could play a significant role. If implemented, these proposals would benefit Bangladesh and other vulnerable nations in addressing climate-related risks.

Describing the Prime Minister’s visit as fruitful, he noted that the engagement helped foster greater international cooperation by highlighting Bangladesh’s stance, initiatives, and future plans for addressing the challenges of climate change.

Earlier, upon the Prime Minister’s return to the country following his participation in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP-31), he was welcomed at the airport by the Acting Secretary General of the BNP.

A Turkish Airlines flight, carrying the Prime Minister, his spouse Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and their entourage, arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 5:40 AM.

BP/SP