Rich countries not caring about climate vulnerability: Muhith
Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday alleged the rich countries are not extending proper cooperation to the countries affected by the climate change, although they have pushed many countries including Bangladesh to a vulnerable condition.
Allegations about the non-cooperation of the rich nations have been placed before international forums but did not get enough response, the minister said while speaking at a workshop at a hotel in the capital.
The finance ministry and UNDP jointly organised the workshop “Inclusive Budgeting and Financing for Climate Resilience Project”.
Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said the US and big European countries are emitting carbon while Bangladesh becoming its worst victim. Many developing countries sought compensation from these [rich] countries but to no avail, he added.
Bangladesh itself should increase its fund to tackle the negative effects of climate change, he said.
After the inaugural session, when a journalist forwarded a query on a piece of paper to the finance minister about the quality of spending fund for the climate change projects, the minister countered the question.
“Do you know what's happening in the different climate projects? Who says the project is of poor quality? Who asks this question? ...Do you know what is being done? Bangladesh is the best performer in implementing the project, I challenge you,” he said and tore the paper into pieces and threw them away.
Finance Secretary Mahbub Ahmed, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Robert Watkins and Head of DFID-Bangladesh Jane Edmondson were present.
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