PM demands separate climate fund for Bangladesh

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina demanded separate financial assistance for Bangladesh-like Most Vulnerable Countries (MVC)s to face the risks of global climate change.

Hasina made the demand while addressing the executive and retreat sessions of Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM)-2009 at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, capital of Caribbean island country Trinidad and Tobago Friday afternoon.

The premier attended the Commonwealth meeting as the only female head of the government.

After the opening ceremony of the CHOGM, Hasina attended the executive and retreat sessions.

In her speech, the prime minister reminded the world leaders about the disastrous impacts of the global warming in Bangladesh with no fault of its own.

"Our contribution to the greenhouse gas emission is negligible, but the fact is that we are the worst sufferer of the global warming," she said.

She categorically said all financial assistances to be provided to the MVCs must be distinct from the ODA (Official Development Assistance).

Hasina explained the global leaders how climate change has serious negative impacts on food production. It would be very difficult to achieve world food security unless the people and the economy are protected from the adverse impacts of the climate change, she added.

"Climate change is affecting agriculture, food production and thus affecting the initiatives of attaining the food security," Hasina said.

Hasina said Bangladesh and other developing and least developed countries need financial assistances from the international community, particularly from the developed countries for overcoming the challenges of the global warming.

The prime minister further laid emphasis on mitigation process for safeguarding the existence of the globe. She also called for transfer of environment-friendly technology to the developing and LDCs from the developed nations in a bid to protect the environment of these countries from pollution and consequences of the increasing warming.

Hasina also called for taking special care of women and children regarding facing the climate change challenges as what she said they are the worst sufferers of the natural hazards caused by the climate change impacts.

Prime Minister's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad briefed newsmen after the meeting.

Earlier, Hasina attended the opening ceremony of the CHOGM with other heads of state and government and official representatives attending the three-day commonwealth meet.

On her arrival at the CHOGM venue, Hasina was received by prime minister of Trinidad Patrick Manning.

Hasina with the world leaders including Queen Elizabeth II also took part in the photo session at the opening of the CHOGM.

Late, she attended the joint reception hosted by Trinidad Prime Minister and Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma.

Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Ambassador at Large M Ziauddin, Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom M Sayeedur Rahman Khan and Tulip Siddique, daughter of Sheikh Rehana, the youngest daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were present in the CHOGM venue.

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