Bangladesh has adopted a US$ 37-billion programme for mitigation of climate change damages along the country's coastal areas, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Enamur Rahman said, reports UNB from Glasgow.
He said this at a side event of COP 26, organised by the ministry in Glasgow on Thursday afternoon.
Climate change-related incidents displace about 50,000 people every year in Bangladesh, the minister added.
In his speech at the event, Dr Enamur said Bangladesh is widely considered as one of the most vulnerable countries to global climate change.
He noted that 30.7 million people were displaced in 2020 alone due to various natural disasters.
In 2017, Bangladesh was the 6th most stricken country among the 135 countries that experienced displacement due to floods.
The World Bank's Groundswell report also estimated that by 2050, 19 million people of Bangladesh would be migrating internally due to slow onset of climate change processes, such as - water scarcity, declining crop productivity, and sea-level rise.
The Government of Bangladesh (GoB) recognises that displacement has grave implications for the rights and entitlements of the individuals and communities.
Bangladesh has framed its National Strategy on Internal Displacement Management in January 2021.
"I am confident that COP 26 will be able to develop a mechanism for institutionalising the losses and damages," the state minister also said.
"I am also hopeful that this year's COP will be able to introduce concessional instruments in case of climate finance," he added.
Natural disasters are increasing in Bangladesh due to climate change, said Mohammad Mohsin, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.
Bangladesh highlighted the need for international funds to deal with the losses and damages - caused by climate change, he noted.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen on Friday expressed optimism about adequate flow of funds to address climate change-related challenges, noting that Bangladesh has taken a very strong leadership role in COP 26.
"We've got a lot of good assurance from the private sector and the governments. We're hopeful," Dr Momen told reporters at a virtual briefing - joining from London.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem were also present.
The COP 26 summit, hosted by the UK in Glasgow, has brought parties together to accelerate actions towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The foreign minister said Bangladesh needs to work a lot, especially in preparing good proposals, which he sees as a challenge - but achievable.
"We've a long way to go. We've a challenge, but we can manage to get plenty of funds," he said, adding that there is willingness to provide funds.
Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina has been identified as one of the five influential dealmakers at COP 26, according to a BBC report that described her as "voice of the vulnerable".
The four other influential dealmakers, who will have a major influence on the summit's success or failure, are - China's climate negotiator Xie Zhenhua, Saudi Arabia's Ayman Shasly, UK minister Alok Sharma, and Spain's minister for ecological transition Teresa Ribera.
The PM spoke on behalf of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, a grouping of 48 countries - most threatened by climate change.
The foreign minister said Sheikh Hasina has become a moral voice on climate issues.
The PM told the COP 26 that Bangladesh cancelled 10 coal-based power plants - involving $12 billion foreign investment, just to supplement its efforts against the adverse impacts of climate change.
"Bangladesh has taken a leadership role and the PM has made a very decisive action (by cancelling the coal power plants). We showed the rest of the world," Dr Momen opined, adding that their collective aim is to save the planet.
Responding to a question on fugitive convicts, the foreign minister said he raised the issue, and it would be discussed in detail in the home minister-level meeting.
"We want good governance. We want the rule of law. The UK should be supportive of us."
Responding to a question on those who are spreading disinformation, Dr Momen said some people do not want to see the development of Bangladesh.
"Hopefully, they'll understand their mistakes. False propaganda never sustains."
The foreign minister added that they are working hard under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, and a dramatic change is coming in Bangladesh.
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