Bangladesh requires $30 billion annually to manage disasters. However, securing just $1.5 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) proves to be a strenuous task, said Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed.
Speaking at the inauguration of a training session on “Navigating Climate Finance: Media Reporting Training” at PKSF Auditorium in the city’s Agargaon area on Monday, he emphasised the difficulties of negotiating even $5 billion over a span of one and a half years.
Salehuddin explained, “It is the people who are most affected, and it is the people who step forward to tackle these challenges. Locals rely on their own efforts to cope with disasters. In this regard, Bangladesh stands at the forefront.”
The adviser further stated, “I would like to say that the role of our journalists, our brothers and sisters, is crucial.”
He called on the media to act in the public’s interest, urging journalists to articulate the voices of the people, highlighting individual contributions to tackling the climate crisis.
“Investigative journalism should focus not only on general issues but also on the climate-related impacts on the broader population,” Salehuddin added.
Chief adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam pointed out that while Bangladesh is severely affected by climate change, its story is not being effectively conveyed to the world. As a result, the necessary funding is not reaching the country.
Shafiqul continued, “We are seeing an increase in dengue due to climate change, epidemics, and even political instability. I once read an article suggesting that climate change played a role in General Ershad’s downfall.
“The devastating floods of 1987-88 exposed the regime’s weaknesses, highlighting climate change as a significant factor in regional instability.”
Shafiqul also emphasised that if these issues are not adequately addressed, they would remain suppressed, much like the floodwaters of the past.
“When seasonal floods or waterlogging become severe, they gain media attention, but once the problem subsides, it disappears from discussions,” he added.
In his closing remarks, PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan stated that climate change poses the greatest threat to the century. He called for increased awareness and highlighted the pivotal role journalists must play in this effort.
The event was chaired by Zakir Ahmed Khan, with the participation of Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) under the Ministry of Finance.
