Inadequate government policies and lack of effective implementation are contributing to the growing number of climate-induced internally displaced people in Bangladesh, many of whom are increasingly moving towards urban centres and facing new vulnerabilities.
The warning came during a national consultation titled “Climate-Induced Migration and Urban Realities” held on Wednesday at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). The event was organised by Caritas Bangladesh.
Referring to data from the International Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), Alexander Tripura, head of the Disaster Management Department at Caritas Bangladesh, said that over 4.7 million people were displaced by natural disasters in Bangladesh between 2008 and 2014.
Journalist Sohrab Hassan, speaking at the event, emphasised the role of the media in not only reporting facts but also influencing policymakers to ensure fair and sustainable solutions for displaced populations.
He urged the interim government to develop anticipatory measures for disaster response.
DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel said, “There must be a strategic approach to urban migration. Authorities must be held accountable to ensure that development and water management sectors are functioning effectively.”
He added that while climate adaptation and migration-related initiatives are included in the national budget, progress remains negligible.
Speakers highlighted that climate change, particularly in coastal and disaster-prone areas, is pushing people to migrate to urban centres like Dhaka. This trend is intensifying pressure on the capital’s housing, employment, and environmental systems.
The consultation also included an open discussion among journalists on effective reporting techniques, reliable data sources, and the critical perspectives needed to cover climate migration comprehensively.
Former DRU president Rafiqul Islam Azad and others also spoke at the event.