Bangladesh Secures $1 Billion for Climate Change Resilience and Infrastructure Development. In a significant development, Bangladesh is set to receive a substantial $1 billion fund to address the challenges posed by climate change. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently announced this allocation following discussions with the President of France, highlighting the growing importance of climate resilience and infrastructure development in the country.
ECNEC Meeting and Project Approvals
The decision to allocate $1 billion for climate change initiatives and infrastructure development was disclosed after a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). The meeting took place on September 12th at the NEC conference room in Sherebangla Nagar, the capital of Bangladesh. During this meeting, a total of 19 projects were approved, reflecting the government’s commitment to advancing various sectors of the country’s development.
Prime Minister’s Directive on Water Conservation
During the ECNEC meeting, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the need for efficient water usage and conservation. She expressed concern over water wastage and instructed authorities to raise awareness about responsible water consumption. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of preventing water-related fatalities and called for measures to reduce water misuse.
One of the key directives from the Prime Minister was to address the cost of production for the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) water services. She raised concerns about the common practice of leaving water taps running, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Resolution of Tax-Related Cases
In addition to addressing water-related issues, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also turned her attention to unresolved tax cases. She urged authorities to expedite the resolution of tax-related disputes, emphasizing the importance of adhering to legal procedures and making timely decisions on these matters.
Climate Change Sector and Infrastructure Coordination
Prime Minister Hasina reiterated her commitment to climate change resilience and emphasized the need for coordination between climate-related projects and the Delta Plan. The Sundarbans, one of the world’s largest mangrove forests located in Bangladesh, was highlighted as a priority area for protection and conservation.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of renovating roads in wetland areas to address potential challenges posed by increased water pressure. She stressed the need for careful planning and design to avoid mistakes during construction, especially in the context of building bridges and culverts.
List of Approved Projects
The ECNEC meeting approved a range of projects spanning various sectors. Some of the approved projects include:
- Road infrastructure development projects by the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges.
- Local infrastructure development projects by the Ministry of Local Government Rural Development and Cooperatives.
- Construction projects by the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs.
- Expansion and development of facilities at Mongla Port by the Ministry of Shipping.
- Transmission infrastructure development and electrification projects by the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources.
- Construction of buffer godowns for fertilizer storage and distribution facilities by the Ministry of Industry.
- Agricultural and livestock development projects by the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
- River erosion protection and conservation projects by the Ministry of Water Resources.
- Housing construction projects for heroic freedom fighters by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.
- Development projects for educational institutions by the Ministry of Education.
These approved projects signify the government’s commitment to advancing various sectors and ensuring comprehensive development in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Secures $1 Billion for Climate Change Resilience
Bangladesh’s allocation of $1 billion to combat climate change and invest in infrastructure development reflects the country’s determination to address pressing challenges and secure a sustainable future. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s directives on responsible water usage, tax dispute resolution, and climate resilience underscore the government’s proactive approach to governance and development.
The approval of diverse projects spanning transportation, local infrastructure, agriculture, education, and more showcases Bangladesh’s commitment to holistic progress. As the country continues its journey toward growth and resilience, these initiatives are poised to play a crucial role in shaping its future.
