Bangladesh seizes global spotlight
Bangladesh has drawn the attention of the global community during the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen through a successful 'climate diplomacy' under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
State Minister for Forests and Environment Hasan Mahmud said this yesterday, also acknowledging that the summit did not achieve the best possible outcome.
During a news briefing held at the ministry office the day after returning from Copenhagen, the state minister observed, "It cannot be said that Bangladesh is fully satisfied with the outcome of the conference.
"But it is more important that the world's major economies have agreed to work towards curbing global temperatures."
He commended the prime minister's efforts saying, "A successful climate diplomacy has been achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Bangladesh has drawn the attention of the global community."
The state minister urged world leaders to reach a legally binding treaty during next year's COP-16, which will be held in Mexico.
Hasan Mahmud also took a swipe at the ex-prime minister and main opposition leader Khaleda Zia for what he described as a lack of knowledge about the government's approach to the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.
On December 17 Khaleda told a press conference, "Lobbying for handouts [at Copenhagen] is below our national dignity".
Hasan rejected her comment outright by saying, "Her advisers did not properly enlighten her about the global climate conference and she did not study the issues."
He added, "There is no question that Bangladesh went to attend the Copenhagen to beg."
Hasan said it was established during the summit that Bangladesh is the country most vulnerable to climate change and that it will therefore request 15 per cent of the $30 billion adaptation fund, which will become operational in January.
"We have boldly told the conference that we must receive compensation because we are not responsible for global warming," he said.
Hasan said he also expects further bilateral assistance from countries with whom Bangladesh has close ties.
The state minister said that the government could use the funds to set up a large number of cyclone shelter centres, to construct new coastal embankments and to repair 11,000 kilometres of embankments.
He gave the assurance that all the funds would be spent in a transparent manner.
Leading economist and environment specialist Dr Quazi Khaliquzzaman Ahmed also spoke during the briefing.
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