UK wants Dhaka to play a proactive role

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FE Report
Two visiting British ministers on Tuesday highlighted the need for close cooperation between the UK and Bangladesh to address the challenges of climate change and bringing millions out of poverty.
"The climate crises represent one of the greatest threats to poverty reduction. It is already affecting Bangladesh, with devastating impact. The UK and Bangladesh can work together to address the negative impact of climate change," Douglas Alexander, British Secretary of State for International Development, told at a press briefing at a local hotel.
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Miliband said the country (Bangladesh) is the most affected following the adverse impact of climate change.
"Bangladesh is among the countries most affected by the climate change, but it need not to be a victim. We see Bangladesh as a key partner among the LDCs to help deliver a successful outcome in Copenhagen in December," said Ed Miliband at the briefing.
Both the British ministers arrived in Dhaka on Monday and left the capital Tuesday afternoon after their two-day visit. The ministers held meetings with a number of top policymakers, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Dipu Moni.
Issues like climate change, poverty reduction and preparations for next Copenhagen climate-change conference figured prominently at the official talks, said Douglas Alexander at the briefing, responding to a question.
Ed Miliband, responding to a question, said 45 million Bangladeshis are vulnerable to flooding.
He, however, said insufficient awareness prevails in the country on impact of climate change and preparedness to address the challenge.
Both the British ministers expected a better and successful agreement at the Copenhagen conference to be held in next December with the participation of all countries in the world.
Ed Miliband said, "We would support Bangladesh in making its voice heard and play a leading role among the vulnerable countries at the international climate-change negotiations."
"The voice of Bangladesh should be louder in the global perspective," Miliband told the briefing.
He said the UK government is committed to helping Bangladesh to meet the challenges posed by the climate-change, blamed for global warming due to excessive carbon emissions in the developed western countries.
The trip of the two British ministers took place less than 100 days before countries from around the world gather in Copenhagen, Denmark, to negotiate a new international climate deal.
The ministers visited a Char island in Sirajganj on Tuesday to see the people directly affected by severe storms and extreme weather, and see how they are adapting to their homes and livelihoods to live with climate change.