Advisory committee on climate change formed in Khulna

An Organization for Socio-Economic Development (AOSED), in collaboration with CARE Bangladesh under the Multi-Actor Partnerships on Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (MAP-CDRFI) Project, organized a Sub-National Roundtable on Climate Financing and Collaborative Strategies at the Hotel Western Inn, Khulna.

The event aimed to enhance local level participation and contribution to the Government of Bangladesh's initiatives concerning climate change.

Honorable Mayor of Khulna City Corporation Mr. Talukder Abdul Khaleque was present as the chief guest during the roundtable.

The roundtable focused on devising a comprehensive strategy for coordinating climate change-related activities across various stakeholders, including local government bodies, divisional-level government offices, autonomous institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Additionally, discussions centered on establishing effective mechanisms for coordinating local activities by proposing the formation of 'Advisory Committees' at the departmental level.

Keynote speaker Prof. Dr. Mujibor Rahman, Head of Environmental Science Discipline at Khulna University, emphasized the undeniable reality of climate change and its profound implications. The intersection of climate dynamics with societal trends amplifies the impacts on coastal resources, public health, agriculture, ecosystems, biodiversity, and water resources. The prediction of climate change effects on agriculture underscores the urgent need for mainstreaming climate change adaptation into development initiatives.

In the open discussion, various initiatives by departments of government to address climate vulnerabilities were highlighted. However, challenges such as lack of coordination, urbanization exacerbating the urban heat island effect, and the impact of climate change on agriculture were also addressed. The necessity for structured action plans, collaboration among stakeholders, and the formation of advisory committees emerged as key decisions from the deliberations.

Additional Chief Engineer of Bangladesh Water Development Board Engr. Bidyut Kumar Saha, Deputy Director of Department of Environment Md. Emdadul Hoque, Senior Assistant Director of Department of Fisheries Mr. Raj Kumar Biswas, Assistant Chief Director of Health Office Md. Zobayer Hossain, Superintendent Engineer of Khulna WASA Khan Salim Ahmed, Superintendent Engineer of Water Development Board Md. Sabibur Rahman, Deputy Director of Department of Agricultural Extension Kazi Jahangir Hossain, Head and Associate Professor of Department of Urban and Regional Planning - KUET Dr. Tushar Kanti Roy.

Chief Scientific Officer of SRDI G M Mostafizur Rahman, Deputy Chief Epidemiologist of Divisional Livestock Department Dr. Muhammad Nazrul Islam, General Secretary of Pani Adhikar Committee Humayun Kabir, Regional Coordinator of CARE Bangladesh Abu Taher Md. Siddiqur Rahman were among the speakers during the open discussion.

The roundtable concluded with unanimous agreement on forming an Advisory Committee, headed by Mr. Talukder Abdul Khaleque, Mayor of Khulna City Corporation, to oversee and coordinate climate change-related activities at the local level.

The Sub-National Roundtable on Climate Financing and Collaborative Strategies provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and collective action towards building climate resilience at the grassroots level.