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Civil society urges for immediate unconditional cancellation of Illegitimate loans

Call for action on the eve of the International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Spain

Civil society urges for immediate unconditional cancellation of Illegitimate loans

The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) will be held in Seville, Spain, from June 30 to July 3, 2025, marking a crucial moment for Bangladesh’s economic future and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). FfD4 aims to address key global financial reforms, including domestic resource mobilization, debt policy, and climate finance, areas crucial for the country’s development. However, recent sectoral analysis reveals worrying trends, for example, Bangladesh ranks as the 7th most climate-vulnerable country, with 56% of its population living in high-risk areas. The national poverty rate stands at 18.7% and is rising, and child marriage remains alarmingly high at 51.4%, etc.

At a human chain titled “Not Debt Repayment, We Demand Justice: Cancel the Debt, Change the System” held in front of the national press club today, speakers questioned on unfair taxation, illicit financial flows, money laundering, and rising debt burden. They mentioned to fulfill the preconditions of the IMF and other International financial institutions, Bangladesh has imposed unfair taxes and reformed in taxation system, which directly impacted the lives and livelihoods of the general people. They highlighted that in 2024, the bank balance of Bangladeshi citizens in Swiss banks increased by 33%. And over the past 15 years, more than $240 billion has been laundered from the country, which is sufficient to cover almost all of Bangladesh’s foreign debt. The speakers strongly demanded that the laundered money be returned to Bangladesh. Apart, they also demanded the formation of an independent commission for the reevaluation of the loan processes, especially the mega projects.

With alliance of the movement “Global Day of Action on Finance” by APMDD, COAST Foundation, along with EquityBD, TUS, BCJF, NDF, NRDS, CPRD, CPD, Sundarbans O Upkul Surakha Andolon, UDAYAN Bangladesh, PROKAS and Waterkeeper Bangladesh, jointly organized this human chain ahead of the FFD4 conference. Mustafa Kamal Akand, Coordinator of EquityBD- secretariat, moderated the human chain.

In his speech, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBD noted that rich countries like the UK, USA, Netherlands, UAE, Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium must stop receiving illicit financing and return stolen assets to Bangladesh to help achieve the SDGs. He mentioned that loans taken for the mega projects were not discussed in the national parliament. He strongly urged that Bangladesh will not pay these illegitimate loans. He strongly demanded that an UN-led task force should be formed immediately for the prevention of illicit financial flows. Moreover, he also demanded that no new loan should be approved without prior discussion and consent from the national parliament.

Sharif Jamil of Waterkeepers Bangladesh argued Bangladesh should sit with the development partners and urged for climate financing as grants and support for country-wide management to adapt to climate change. Md. Iqbal Uddin of EquityBD mentioned, developed nations still fall short of their GNI commitment for Official Development Assistance (ODA). He added, OECD countries are imposing loans rather than grants. He urged them to fulfill their commitments regarding achieving the SDGs. Ibnul Sayed Rana from NDF called for reclaiming laundered funds. Nikhil Chandra Bhadra from Sundarbans O Upkul Surakha Andolon also asked for the reclamation and called for adequate investment in coastal communities.

Mir Mohammad Ali from Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural University urged for immediate compensation. Sheikh Asaduzzaman from Udayan Bangladesh said Bangladesh is not responsible for climate change and he demanded climate justice. ASM Amanul Hasan Taimur from PROKAS shared his concern about the escalating debt. Omour Faruk Bhuiya from EquitBD criticized IMF-backed tax reforms, unfair taxation, immediate cancellation of all illegitimate bilateral, unilateral, and private loans. Md. Motahar Hossen of Bangladesh Climate Change Journalist Forum mentioned that climate financing is our right, not a favor.

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Civil Society calls for laundered money back to achieve SDGs

Call for action on the eve of the International Conference on Financing for Development- FFD4 in Spain.

Civil Society calls for laundered money back to achieve SDGs.

Dhaka, 23 June 2025: The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) to be held in Sevilla, Spain, during June 30 to July 4 2025, marks a crucial moment for Bangladesh’s economic future and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As Bangladesh prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026, FFD4 aims to address key global financial reforms, including domestic resource mobilization, debt policy, and climate finance, areas vital for the country’s development. However, recent sectoral analyses reveal worrying trends, for example, Bangladesh ranks as the 7th most climate-vulnerable country, with 56% of its population living in high-risk areas. Child labour affects 1.78 million children, the national poverty rate stands at 18.7% and is rising, and child marriage remains alarmingly high at 51.4%.

At a press conference titled “Beyond Aid: Reclaim Bangladesh’s Laundered Wealth for Achieving SDGs” held in Dhaka today, speakers questioned how Bangladesh can achieve the SDGs by 2030 amid declining Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), unfair taxation, illicit financial flows, money laundering, and rising debt. They highlighted that over the past 15 years, more than $100 billion has been laundered abroad, an amount nearly equal to Bangladesh’s national budget for the next two years and sufficient to cover almost all of its foreign debt. The speakers strongly demanded that this stolen wealth be returned to Bangladesh.

COAST Foundation, along with EquityBD, BCJF, NDF, Sundarbans O Upkul Surakha Andulon, UDAYAN and Waterkeeper Bangladesh, jointly organized a press conference ahead of the FFD4 conference. Md. Iqbal Uddin of COAST Foundation presented the keynote and Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, chief moderator of EquityBD, moderated the event.

In his presentation, Md. Iqbal Uddin emphasized that FFD4 must adopt strong global measures to curb illicit financial flows and repatriate laundered money to Bangladesh to support sustainable development. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury noted that countries like the UK, USA, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium are cutting their ODA, and stressed that beyond aid, rich nations must stop illicit financing and return stolen assets to Bangladesh to help achieve the SDGs.

Sharif Jamil of Waterkeepers Bangladesh argued that if there were no safe havens, money laundering would not occur in rich countries, urging the FFD4 to act against such enablers. Ibnul Sayed Rana from NDF called the Rohingya crisis a global responsibility and demanded sustained international funding, not a burden on host countries like Bangladesh. Nikhil Bhadra from Sundarbans Conservation Movement called for investing in coastal communities by reclaiming laundered funds and cancelling Bangladesh’s illegal debts. Asaduzzaman from Udayan said Bangladesh is not responsible for climate change and demanded climate justice, noting that the country should receive grants, not loans, for climate impacts it didn’t cause. Omour Faruk Bhuiya criticized IMF-backed tax reforms, calling them regressive, and urged for a UN-led Global Tax Convention to ensure equity and justice.

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0.67% Climate allocation of GDP is insufficient and unacceptable : Initiatives to bring back laundered money are essential to meet budget deficit

National Budget 2025-2026 and Civil Society Perspectives

0.67% Climate allocation of GDP is insufficient and unacceptable:
Initiatives to bring back laundered money are essential to meet budget deficit

1. Proposed National Budget 2025-26
Under the slogan of “Commitment to building a non-discriminatory and sustainable economic system,” on June 2, 2025, the interim government led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus announced a budget of BDT. 790,000 crore for the Fiscal Year [FY] 2025-26, which is BDT. 7,000 crore less than the current FY. The revenue collection target has been set at BDT. 564,000 crore, which is BDT. 23,000 crore more than the current FY. Total size of the Annual Development Program (ADP) has been set at BDT. 230,000 crore, which is 35,000 crore less than the current FY. It has been proposed to reduce inflation to 6.5%, currently, inflation rate in the country is at 9 to 10%. Experts say that although there are some good initiatives in this year’s budget, but the budget structure is traditional and the accumulated problems remain. But the government had the opportunity to present a different budget.

2. Interest payments cost on domestic & foreign debt have increased
A total target of BDT. 187,000 crore has been set for interest payments on domestic and foreign loans for the next fiscal year. We can see that the interest payment expenditure in the current fiscal year is BDT. 113,500 crore, which will increase by another BDT. 20,000 crore in the next fiscal year to more than BDT. 133,000 crore, which is about 16.8% of the proposed budget. According to economists, a deficit budget is not uneconomic, yet limiting deficit financing is necessary to prevent inflation and balance actual costs. A large amount of money goes into the annual budget to pay interest and principal on debts, as a result, a large part of the budget allocation does not directly benefit the public.

3. Tax pressure is increasing along with price inflation in a recessionary market
Like every other time, this year’s budget did not reflect the expectations of people, rather, the expectations of some colonial institutions have been fulfilled. Although budget size is BDT.7, 000 crore less than last year, the NBR has been given a target of BDT. 4.99 lakh crore, which is about BDT. 19,000 crore more than last year, which is 88.47% of total revenue target. To achieve this target, as always, the National Board of Revenue has emphasized indirect taxes, and VAT rates have been doubled in almost all areas, and in most cases, those benefits have been removed on goods or services that were exempted or had a low rate of VAT. This has a direct impact on the general public, especially the middle class. According to economists, a 1% increase in indirect taxes increases poverty by 0.42%.

In this time of high inflation, annual tax-free income limit of individual taxpayers has not been increased, remaining unchanged at BDT.3.5 lakh. However, annual tax-free income limit for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 fiscal years has been proposed at BDT. 3 lakh 75 thousand. There is also a loophole, because in this case, government has proposed six tax rates instead of seven, and the next BDT. 3 lakh will have to be taxed at a rate of 10%, which was previously 5% on BDT. 1 lakh. Although the maximum tax rate has been kept

As 30%, many taxpayers will have to pay higher tax rates even if they earn the same as last year due to the reduction in the limits of the previous stages. According to the new rate, if a taxpayer has a monthly income of BDT. 1 lakh, he/she will have to pay about BDT. 12 thousand more tax than before. It has been proposed to increase the minimum tax from BDT.3000 to 5000, as a result, low-income people will be reluctant to pay taxes, and tax evasion will increase.

Although there are about 1.3 million e-TIN holders in the country, only 4.5 lakh returns have been submitted this year. 41% of the country’s total income is now in the hands of richest 10% of people. On the other hand, poorest 10% of people earn only 1.31% of the country’s total income.

4. This time too, there is an opportunity to turn black money into white.
It has been proposed to continue the opportunity to whiten black money this time too. Those whose main objective was state reform have now abandoned their strict stance against corruption and have completely ignored the main objective of reform and surrendered to the corrupt. There is no specific proposal in the budget regarding the thousands of crores of taka leaving the country every year through capital flight, over-invoicing, and under-invoicing. Even after 10 months, we have not seen any special progress in bringing back the billions of dollars that have been laundered in the past years; rather, new branches of corruption are now sprouting. The government is leaning on foreign loans as before and is imposing a tax burden on us.

5. Preventing and recovering money laundering is essential to meet budget deficits
We know that, in the 15 years from 2009 to 2023, $234 billion (BDT. 28 lakh crore) was laundered from the country abroad, which is an average of BDT.180 thousand crore per year. According to the recently published white paper, 3.4% of total GDP was laundered every year, and about 80% of this laundering took place under the guise of trade. This capital laundering was mainly due to lack of transparency, accountability, weak governance, lack of coordination of monitoring agencies, institutional corruption, and lack of political will. [Daily Ittefaq, 02 December 2024] We think that to implement agenda of World Bank and IMF, the rates of various types of taxes (direct and indirect taxes) and their coverage will be increased in this budget, especially the VAT rate is being increased in almost all cases and in some cases it is being doubled to 15%, and this will increase the living cost of the common people. However, these financial institutions never ask any government to bring back the laundered money.


6. Changed capital flight routes; investigative agencies’ coordination is essential to prevent
But the reality is that money laundering cannot be stopped. Once, popular destinations for money laundering from Bangladesh included Switzerland, the UK, the US, Malaysia, Canada, and some island countries known as tax havens. However, due to increased surveillance in these countries over the last few years, the destinations for money laundering are now shifting to countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe, including Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. According to the current gov’t white paper, Bangladeshis own 532 houses or assets in Dubai, valued at $375 million. As of March 2024, 3,600 Bangladeshis have been nominated for the Second Home Program in Malaysia. [Ittefaq, 02 December 2024]. Currently, seven agencies, including the ACC, are working to prevent and control money laundering. Out of 27 related offenses in the existing Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the ACC is only investigating the laundering of money obtained through crime related to ‘bribery and corruption,’ while the remaining 26 related offenses are under investigation by other agencies, including CID and NBR. Therefore, if there is coordination among them and they work together, it is expected that this money laundering will be significantly reduced.

7. The Relevance of sustainable economic development and climate finance
Bangladesh has already achieved the economic and environmental criteria set by ECOSOC and has moved from a low-income country to a middle-income country. But the question is how much of the achievement of the environmental criteria set by ECOSOC has been based on reality and how much on statistical data. The four criteria in ECOSOC’s Environmental Risk Index are the number of people living in high-risk coastal areas, the number of people living in drought-prone areas, the level of instability in agricultural production systems, and the number of people who are or are likely to be victims of disasters.

About 25 million people in Bangladesh reside in the most vulnerable coastal areas. Although it is said that sufficient dams are in place to protect coastal livelihoods, in reality, about 70-80% of these dams are ineffective in managing disasters. A report by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) states that approximately 1.5 million hectares of coastal land are facing a salinity crisis, and if effective measures are not implemented, agricultural income is expected to decline by 21% annually. The IPCC estimates that Bangladesh may lose 30% of its food production by 2050. Currently, the drinking water crisis has become severe in more than a hundred upazilas across 18 of the 19 coastal districts. The IDMC report 2025 states that the number of internally displaced people in Bangladesh due to disasters such as floods and cyclones has increased by approximately 600,000 in one year, bringing the total number of displaced people in the country to around 2.4 million. A United Nations study cites that floods and cyclones cause losses of $3.2 billion or BDT. 25,600 crore in Bangladesh every year, which accounts for 2.2% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Such losses do not reflect sustainable development. Although these statistics meet UN standards, the reality of achieving sustainable development while leaving billions of people vulnerable and at risk merits significant consideration.

8. Scenario of the government’s climate finance commitments and budget allocations
Budget allocation for the climate sector is not planned and adequate at all. Although CSOs has demanded adequate climate funding to combat climate change, allocation has not increased but has decreased. In the 2024-25 budget, the climate allocation for 25 climate-related ministries was BDT. 42,206.89 crore, which is 10.09% of the total allocation and 0.75% of the total GDP, and in this proposed 2025-26 budget, the allocation has been BDT. 41,202,897 crore, which is 10.07% of the total allocation and 0.67% of the GDP.

However, implementation of only 4 long-term plans to address climate change (BCCSAP 2009, Delta Plan-2100, National Adaptation Plan [NAP]-2023-2050, Nationally Determined Contribution [NDC] 2021-2030) requires $18.24 billion annually. Considering that Bangladesh needs $534 billion, or $19.7 billion annually, to tackle climate change by 2050, the question is: how much priority has been given to climate allocation in this year’s budget?

Figure of climate allocation in last 5 years national budget
Fiscal year GDP at current Prices [BDT. crore] Total National Budget [BDT. Crore] Total climate budget [BDT. Crore] Climate allocation as % of GDP
2021-22 39,71,716 603,681 28,010 0.71%
2022-23 44,90,842 678,064 32,409 0.72%
2023-24 50,48,027 761,785 37,052 0.73%
2024-25 55,97,414 797,000 42,207 0.75%
2025-26 62,44,578 790,000 41,209 0.67%
Source: Climate Finance Budget Report on National Budget and Sustainable Development from FY 2021-22 to 25-26


9. Our demand for increased climate allocation; tax justice and stop illicit flow:
A. Considering the relevance of sustainable economic development and continuing climate risks, initiatives should be taken to implement the adopted plans based on own resources, and the minimum allocation of 3 percent of GDP for climate finance in the national budget should be reconsidered.

B. Construction of sustainable stone embankment; Ensure separate allocation [BDT. 10,000-12,000 crore] outside the traditional allocation. [In total, about 6,500 km of sustainable embankments are needed on the coastal areas at this time. And experts estimate that about BDT. 1, 30,000 crore is required to build all the dam sustainably in the next 10 years. In view of which, BDT. 10-12 thousand crore should be allocated separately every year outside the traditional allocation.

C. Priority-based allocation is needed to build required infrastructure development to expand fresh water and sanitation facilities in the coastal areas. Various studies say that 1.5 crore people in the coastal areas are forced to drink saline water and are suffering from various diseases and health risks. So need climate climate-resilient water treatment plant and other technologies]

D. Instead of imposing indirect taxes on the common people, focus on collecting wealth taxes. The country is losing about BDT.6, 000 crore from wealth tax every year. This will make it possible to allocate budget according to requirements to pro-poor friendly sectors like- education, health, agriculture, sanitation, etc.

E. Governments should take the initiative to enter into bilateral legal assistance agreements with countries where money is laundered, not only to reduce money laundering but also to make repatriation of laundered capital much easier.If at least 10% of the laundered money (280,000 crore taka) can be collected, it is possible to address this budget deficit without increasing indirect taxes, especially VAT rates.


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EquityBD/COAST Foundation
Address: Metro Melody, House-13,
Road No. 02, Shyamoli, Dhaka-1207.

Climate allocation only 0.67% of GDP; Unacceptable and Inadequate

Speakers at Press Conference on National Budget 2025-26.
Call to fill deficit budget by bringing back laundered money

Dhaka, 04 June 2025: This allocation is totally unacceptable, inadequate, and will create obstacles to moving forward with our sustainable economic development. Considering the relevance of sustainable economic development and ongoing climate vulnerability, initiatives should be taken to implement the adopted plans based on own resources, and the minimum allocation of 3% of GDP for climate finance in the national budget should be reconsidered. And to address the budget deficit, initiatives should be taken to bring back laundered money, and corporate taxes should be increased rather imposing unnecessary taxes indirect taxes on the people.

The speakers said this in a press conference on “Climate Allocation in the National Budget-2025-26 and Civil Society Perspective” organized by EquityBD, BDCSO Process, COAST Foundation, Youth Actin Network, Water Kepers Bangladesh, Sundarban Surakkha Andolon, SDI, Udayan, and Bangladesh Climate Journalist Forum in Dhaka today, at the Economic Reporters Forum, Dhaka. Executive Director of COAST Foundation, Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, moderated this press conference, Mr. Sharif Jamil, Chief Executive of Water Keepers Bangladesh, Mr. Kausar Rahman, President of Bangladesh Climate Change Journalists Forum (BCJF), Mr. Nikhil Chandra Bhadra, Coordinator, Sundarbans Protection Committee, Mr. Motahar Hossain, Secretary, Environmental Journalist Forum, Mr. Omur Faruk Bhuiya and Mr. Ahsanul Karim Babor from EquityBD. Mr. Mostafa Kamal Akand, Coordinator of BDCSO Process, Mr. Montaher Arafat, President, Youth Action for Development, and others spoke as panel speakers. Head- Climate Change, COAST Foundation, Mr. M.A. Hasan, presented the keynote.

M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury mentioned the intensifying frequencies of natural disasters and its direct negative impacts on the life of the coastal population. He urged reconsideration of the climate budget allocation, constructing stone-based embankments, creating coastal natural barriers and ensuring participatory governance, and making strategic investments that serve the interests of vulnerable populations.

Sharif Jamil stressed that climate change is a current, not future, crisis. He urged a stronger focus on water, air, and soil management, transboundary river governance involving Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Pakistan, and environmental reassessment of mega projects. He also recommended adopting wealth taxes and the Polluter Pays Principle, which are successfully used in other countries. He advocated for Bangladesh to ratify the 1997 UN Watercourses Convention, which was previously overlooked. He emphasized that aligning with global water governance frameworks is critical for long-term resilience.

Kawsar Rahman, Climate Journalists Forum, stated that the budget largely follows an IMF-driven model, neglecting job creation and self-reliance. He criticized the harsh increase in VAT to 15%, which disproportionately affects middle and lower-income groups, and warned of vulnerabilities in the banking sector due to excessive government borrowing.

Motahar Hossain reflected on past underperformance, stating that even the limited climate funds were poorly implemented and monitored. Nikhil Chandra Bhadra lamented the postponement of key coastal projects, including BDT. 961 crore water preservation initiative in Bagerhat, Khulna, and Satkhira. He called for district-wise budget allocations, prioritizing vulnerable coastal regions.

Ahsanul Karim Babor, highlighted the alarming trend of money laundering, estimating that over BDT. 280,0000 crores were laundered from 2009 to 2023. He called for full implementation of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, coordination among the 7 mandated agencies, and international cooperation for asset recovery.

Montahar Arafat emphasized the need for youth participation and skill development, and allocation should be made by considering local vulnerability and demands.

Omour Faruq Bhuiyan, raised concerns regarding the heavy reliance on indirect taxation, which constitutes 80% of revenue sources. He warned that such tax structures exacerbate inequality and poverty, citing research showing that a 1% increase in indirect tax could raise poverty by 0.42%. He also criticized the NBR reformation process, enacted without stakeholder consultation.

M. A. Hasan, in his keynote presentation speech, said that Socio-economic inequality may not reflect a sustainable economy. The proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, the climate-related ministries’ allocations are 41 lakh 2 thousand 8 hundred 97.0 crore taka, which is 10.07% of the total allocation and 0.67% of GDP. This allocation is unplanned and inadequate against the $19 billion per year requirement of the long-term climate plan. He called for reconsideration of the minimum 3% of GDP allocation for climate finance in the national budget.

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Protect the Coastal Areas, Allocate 3% of GDP in the Budget as Climate Finance: Speakers at the “National Budget 2025-26: Climate Budget and Coastal Bangladesh”

Dhaka, 28 May 2025: Climate budget allocations in Bangladesh remain neither adequate nor well-planned, and the coastal regions continue to face growing risks due to the lack of protection infrastructure. Despite an increase in climate-induced losses and damages, budgetary allocations have not risen, and the demands of coastal communities have long been neglected. Speakers at a seminar today called for a minimum of 3% of GDP to be allocated for climate financing in the upcoming national budget of 2025-26. They further urged the government to priorities sectorial allocations to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of nearly 40 million people living in the climate-vulnerable coastal belt of Bangladesh. Urgent investments are needed, including the construction of durable embankments, coastal afforestation, sustainable rehabilitation for climate-displaced populations, and water resource management, including addressing the acute crisis of safe drinking water, sanitation, and the development of climate-resilient agriculture and irrigation systems.

The demand came during a seminar titled “National Budget 2025-26: Climate Budget and Coastal Bangladesh”, held today at the CIRDAP Auditorium, Topkhana Road, Dhaka. The event was organized by EquityBD, a network of civil society organizations, in association with COAST Foundation, CPRD, CDP, Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Sundarban Protection Movement, BCJF, Udayan, DUS and SDI.

The seminar was chaired by Mr. Gawher Nayeem Wahra, Disaster Management expert and moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director, COAST Foundation. Other speakers included A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad, Assistant Secretary General, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami; Umama Fatema, spokesperson, Anti-Discrimination Movement; Javed Rasin, Joint Convener, National Citizen Party (NCP); Kawsar Rahman, President, Bangladesh Climate Change Journalists Forum; Md. Motahar Hossain, Secretary, Environmental Journalists Forum; Md. Rafiqul Alam, Executive Director, DUS; Syed Jahangir Hasan Masum, Executive Director, CDP; Ashraf Hossain, Assistant Director, SDI; Aminur Rasul Babul, Executive Director, Unnayan Dhara Trust; and AHM Bazlur Rahman, Executive Director, BNNRC. The keynote was presented by M. A. Hasan, Head- Climate Change, COAST Foundation.

Gawher Nayeem Wahra stated that the Bangladesh Delta Plan cannot be implemented without resolving transboundary river issues. He asked for greater involvement of local communities in embankment management. He also highlighted that 45% of the population of Bangladesh is children, yet they remain unaware of national budget processes. He urged a search for effective alternatives to protect the Sundarbans and emphasized the importance of transparent water governance, safe migration policies, and institutional accountability.

In his remarks, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury emphasized that climate budget allocation should be at least 3% of the national GDP. He mentioned that we should focus on constructing concrete / stone embankments and advocate for the establishment of climate-resilient water purification plants. He also stressed the need for integrated research to guide climate adaptation.

A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad pointed out that despite the implementation of several mega projects over the years, coastal communities have been largely sidelined. He called for stronger connectivity between hard-to-reach areas and the mainland, as well as skill development programs for displaced coastal populations. He also urged for budget formulation based on local available resources and highlighted the importance of institutional capacity building for organizations/departments involved in natural resource management.

Umama Fatema, Spokesperson, Anit Discrimination Student Movement criticized the previous government’s several destructive projects, such as the Rampal and Matarbari coal power plants. She noted that coastal forest areas have been devastated by the rise of shipbreaking industries near protected zones. Highlighting the gap between budget formulation and actual expenditure, she emphasized effective implementation and monitoring. She added the importance of river dredging to ensure safe water supply.

Javed Rasin, Joint Convenor, NCP, advocated both embankment protection and afforestation initiatives. He noted that women in coastal areas are affected by climate change. He demanded budget allocations to address their health needs.

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Civil Society for Self-Funded Plans for Disaster Resilience, No to Debt Creatin Instrument

Dhaka, April 28, 2025: There is an urgent need to adopt self-funding regional priority plans nationally for disaster resilience, instead of relying on debt. UN agencies and INGOs must refrain from direct project implementation and provide space for local NGOs to lead. Investment should be increased in sustainable waste management and in establishing climate-resilient saline-free water treatment plants to mitigate the freshwater crisis. Sustainable concrete embankments should be constructed to protect the lives, assets, and agricultural land of coastal communities. In respect of construction Water Development Board should be accountable to local government.

Today, civil society speakers expressed these demands at a human chain held in front of the National Press Club on Topkhana Road in Dhaka to commemorate those lost in the devastating cyclone “Mary-An” that struck the coastal areas on April 29, 1991. The Sundarban Upakul Surokkha Andolon, ARBAN, Udayan Bangladesh, Keraniganj Human Development Society, SDO, Unnayan Dhara Trust, COAST Foundation, Equity BD, Unnayan Sabolombi Sangstha, ARBAN Nari Jagoron, BDCSO Process, and BNNRC jointly organized this event with the leadership of EquityBD.

Mustafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD moderated the event, chaired by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation.. The speakers included Mr. Nikhil Chandra Bhadra, Coordinator of Sundarban Upakul Surokkha Andolon, Mr. Sheikh Asad, Executive Director of Udayan Bangladesh, Shaheda Khatun of Youth Action for Development, Mr. Sahriar Shaon of Water Keepers Bangladesh, M.A. Hasan of COAST, among others.

Shaheda Khatun stated that if we do not implement sustainable waste management initiatives now, leaving a habitable world for future generations will not be feasible. She called on the government and major financial institutions such as PKSF and MRA to invest in sustainable waste management initiatives, including expanding fecal sludge treatment plants and plastic recycling facilities, to protect the environment.

Shahriar Shawon said, Mangrove forests protect us in any disaster. But power plant projects like Rampal-Matarbari are being built by destroying these forests. We want to demand that we move away from these environmentally destructive projects and move towards renewable energy.

M.A. Hassan remarked that the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has adopted a national strategy and a 20-year action plan [2022-2042] on internal displacement management. Six years have passed, and the government’s initiative to implement this action plan is unclear. He emphasized that merely formulating an action plan is insufficient to address the pressing crisis of future displacement; priority-based investments are essential to build a climate-resilient Bangladesh.

Mr. Sheikh Asad, noted that salinity intrusion and declining groundwater levels have resulted in an acute freshwater crisis, increasing health risks. He demanded take immediate steps by gov’t to establish climate-resilient salinity-free water treatment plants to address this urgent drinking water issue.

Mr. Nikhil Chandra Bhadra stated that even though 34 years have passed since the cyclone, sustainable coastal protection issues remain as neglected as ever, coastal residents in ongoing fear and anxiety due to disaster alerts.

Mustafa Kamal Akanda emphasized that UN agencies and INGOs must avoid direct project implementation and allow local NGOs to take the lead. He conveyed that the time has come to foster a sense of self-respect and self-development by establishing equitable and dignified partnerships between INGOs & domestic NGOs.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury asserted the need for self-funding regional priority plans nationally for disaster resilience, which should not be a debt creating instrument. He stated that concrete embankments should be constructed to protect the lives, assets, and agricultural lands of coastal communities. The Water Development Board must be accountable to local government institutions. He also mentioned that a maximum of Tk 2,000 crore will be necessary for concreate block embankment and generating coastal forests, and the government should allocate this budget accordingly. The government should promote water treatment technology for sustainable solutions to the coastal freshwater crisis.

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EquityBD observes 21 February: Use of local languages Recommended for local organizations Development

Dhaka, 21 February 2025: To encourage sustainable growth of local organizations, the Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh (EquityBD) urged for the use of local language in the development and humanitarian sectors. It made the call while commemorating International Mother Language Day.

EquityBD is a network of CSOs, NGOs and individuals towards promoting equity and justice in society. In a statement, released today, EquityBD mentions that language distances create a wall of distinction between local organizations and foreign organizations. When a project or grant application is requested, all documentation asked in this regard is in English. As a result, local organizations feel pressured to drop out of the competition. Local organizations, on the other hand, may be able to complete the job more quickly and at a lesser cost.

In order to ensure the effective participation of local communities and local organizations in development activities, the process must be conducted in the local language. Local people and local organizations have to communicate in ‘our language’, and if they are forced to communicate in ‘their language’, it will first and foremost hurt the empowerment of the locals.

On this day of language day, the demand for the use of Bengali in all fields may be a real tribute to the martyrs. As there is an international commitment to the use of indigenous languages in development and humanitarian activities, the recommendation of local organizations, including local civil society, to give priority to mother tongue should be strongly emphasized everywhere.

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Bangladesh should focus on self-dependent climate plan fighting climatic impacts

Dhaka, 05 December 2024.  In a press conference, Civil society organizations (CSOs) has recommended government to look forward with self-dependent climate plan fighting climatic impact. The global pledge of 300 billion is very inadequate and will create odd competition among the developing countries where country position will be challenging following their readiness skill and negotiation prospect.

The press conference titled “CoP 29 Outcome: Bangladesh should focus on self-depended climate planning” held at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity today, where representative from CSOs like Md. Shamsuddoha-CPRD [Centre for Participatory Research & Development], Mr. Jahangir Hossen Masum-CDP [Coastal Development Partnership], Md. Kawsar Rahaman and Mr. Motahar Hossen-BCJF [Bangladesh Climate Journalist Forum, Mr. Sharif Jamil-Water Keepers have participated and spoke. The event is moderated by Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury-EquityBD, and Keynote presented by Md. Abul Hasan from COAST Foundation.

Presenting the keynote, Md. Abul Hasan said, the negotiation ignored the MVCs interest and demands especially removing gap between mitigation and adaptation financing, inclusion of non-economic losses under LDF [Loss & Damage Financing]. The agreement 300 billion is hardly connected with the need of developing and climate vulnerable countries because a lack of specific modalities and framework. He made a few action points for our government are i). Country should look forward without global support in fighting climatic impacts, ii). Existing strategic climate plan needs a review and prepare with own resources mobilization, following participatory and demand driven locally, iii). Government should not go for further ambitious review of NDC [National Determined Contribution] in upcoming global stock-take following the CoP-30 in 2025.

Shamsuddoha said the developed countries totally ignored the 1.5-degree temperature goal through removing the transition way from fossil fuel and finally out from the Paris Agreement shifting all responsibilities to the developing countries. They have able to establish the neoliberal policies and made it institutionalizes in climate financing process to dominate and exploit the developing countries. So that we must fight to change the colonial system and that should start from next CoP [Climate Conference] getting quality finance for climate change.

Jahangir Hossen opined the government role was not as innovative in the changing context where they could ensure the civil society participation to enhance negotiation capacity but not happened. He suggests government to start the necessary preparation just now as because the next CoP will start following an intersectional approach where CoP presidency [Brazil] will play important role favoring MVCs interests.

Kawasr Rahaman and Motahar Hossen and Sharif Jamil criticized the developed countries for trapping us in the name of trillion-dollar climate financing but it will come if we allow the private sector and MDBs [Multilateral Banks] in the process which is profiteering approach. They suggested government not to run against the finance because lack of capacity and proactive preparation, rather take initiative to mobilize the climate expert, civil societies, and other actors to play an effective role in all streams in climate negotiation from the next.

Rezaul Karim criticized all country plans are as consultancy and loan dependent that is dangerous for our future. Delta plan 2030 in one of the examples which is needed to review based on our own knowledge and resources. He urged government to review all plans either its development or climate related.

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CSO demand a clear framework on New Climate Finance Goal based on the Equity and Justice: Developed countries must declare 1.3 trillion climate financing for developing countries

Baku, Azerbaijan, November 22, 2024 – from the ongoing CoP 29 Global Climate Conference in Baku, leaders of South Asian civil society gathered in a press conference and demanded a clear framework and structure on NCQG [New Collective and Quantified Goal on Finance] based on the equity and justice that enshrined in the “Article 9.1 of Paris Agreement [PA]” they also advised the developed countries not to leave Baku [Conference Centre] without giving a concrete and measurable financial declaration and finalizing the framework in CoP29.

The press conference, titled “LDC’s & MVC Peoples’ Expectations and CoP 29,” took place at the CoP 29 climate conference center in Baku. Representatives from various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) including Mr. Shailendra Yashwant Kharat from CANSA [Climate Action Network, South Asia], India, Dr. Abid Suleri, Executive Director, SDPI-Pakistan, Dr. Arjun Karki, Nepal, and Mr. Sharif Jamil from Bangladesh along with many others participated and shared the issues. The event moderated by Aminul Hoque from EquityBD, Bangladesh.

In moderation, Aminul Hoque criticized the developed countries, and their allies deceived and contempt up the developing country parties giving an obscure framework without a measurable and meaningful financial support for NCQG. Developed countries kept all the LDC and MVCs [Least and Most Vulnerable Countries] issues under the “bracket” and “options” in draft decision text which is against the principal of equity & justice. He demands a promised from big emitters to produce new NDCs [National Determined Contribution] in line with limiting warming to 1.5C, ahead the year 2025 and a measurable declaration contain 1.3 trillion USD/year as minimum financial need for fighting climate crisis.

Shailendra accused developed leaders have “stark failure” showing Paris Agreement in respect and insult the global north showing a “No Deal” agreement. Their rehashed offers not a supportive for CoP-29 negotiations. We are seeing a deadlock due to unsolved much more contradictory issues like “investment opportunity”, “partnership” and “enhance domestic resource mobilization”. He demands a revision on latest negotiation text.

Dr. Abid Suleri said, the draft text, and its imposed conditions will undermine our demands and put countries in vicious circle of “Debt trap”. We demand the definition of vulnerability and propose to invite and engage the IPCC experts [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] to best alignment with 1.5-degree goal and its subsequent global stocktakes ahead CoP-30.

Sharif Jamil we are very much tired and impatient and outright rejects this meaningless deal. CoP 29 is going to end without any significant pledge for vulnerable & displaced people and reparation that unexcepted. We demand adequate finance but come through reparation & compensation along with non-debt instrument.

Mr. Arjun Karki concerned the negotiations on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) is lack of clarity on indicators for measuring progress. Adaptation is our lifeline of MVCs and how to close the huge gap between adaptation funding and needs and we are worried. He called developed countries to “triple, don’t double” of adaptation funding by 2025.

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CSO demand 1.5 trillion dollar under new climate finance goal 2025-30 period: Opposed any text and criteria shifting responsibility to LDC and developing countries

Baku, Azerbaijan, November 16, 2024. During the ongoing Cop 29 Global Climate Conference, a civil society dialogue is held, where they made a demand 1.5 trillion dollar under the discourse on new climate finance goal for 2025-30 period. They also opposed any text and criteria that shift the responsibility from developed to LDC [Least Developed Countries] and developing countries.

The dialogue, titled ” From millions to trillions: the transformations needed to finance climate justice” took place at the CoP 29 climate conference center in Baku. Representatives from various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as Mrs. Lidy Nacpil [Asia Pacific Movement on Debt & Development, Philippine], Mr. Ezequiel Steuermann [Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights-ESCR, Argentina], Mrs. Patricia Wattiena (ESCR-Net, USA) and Mr. Aminul Hoque [COAST Foundation, Bangladesh] many other civil society representatives from different countries participated and shared their insights. Katja Voigt (Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, Germany) has moderated the dialogue.

Aminul Hoque said, the climate finance is sought for survival of MVCs and the humanity, not for any development. The draft text on NCQG [New Collective & Quantified Goal] is included with 13 negotiating options with hundreds of brackets, those are in fact a dilemma and intend for trapping the countries by following a procrastinated negotiation. The absent of CBDR-RC [Common but Differentiate Responsibility with Respective Capacities] principal will force the LDCs to share financial burden which is unfair. He demands a clear climate finance definition along with quantified finance from the negotiation.

MVCs like Bangladesh has no capacity to mobilize additional money for survival spending where country needs around 3.5 billion dollar per year. It obviously paid by developed countries under Paris Agreement [PA] Article 9.1 as they are responsible creating these climate crisis and vulnerabilities he opined.

Mrs. Lidy said, an ambitious NCQG provision and mobilization quantum of 1.5 trillion is a lifeline for our vulnerable communities. Our quantitative estimates of the financial support needed for implementing our NDCs stands at $1.48 trillion by 2030. This translates into a requirement of $220 billion per year for the LDCs alone. The NCQG must reflect of its operational features that give full effect to Articles 9.4 [Scale up finance] of the PA, aligning with the needs and priorities of developing countries and must also incorporate tailored features for SIDS and LDCs, she demands.

Mr. Ezequiel highlights the NCQG text must clearly make the outline what does not count as climate finance under the goal from an accounting perspective, including non-concessional loans and export credits which cannot count towards the progress on the delivery of the goal. Resources under the NCQG must be new and additional, predictable, adequate, affordable, grant-based, and concessional, enhancing fiscal space without creating fiscal constraints, and non-debt inducive. There cannot be any conditions for finance access, and all elements of the goal must respect the countries’ sovereignty.”

Mrs. Patricia says, we are not to pay any brutal cost of climate crisis, because the NCQG is exclusively for all developing countries; is aligned with Article 4 of the UNFCCC and Articles 9.1 and 9.3 of the PA and in line with the principles of equity and CBDR-RC. The goal is the sole obligation of developed countries to provide and mobilize climate finance to developing countries. But we don’t see any significant text in the draft where its reflected, she criticized and called developing country parties to be united on this issue in the coming days of negotiation.

Please download the related paper [Bangla Press] [English Press]
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