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Adequate Plans to Face Climate Change with Not Enough Yearly Budget for Implementation

Expert Speakers at Seminar on Climate Finance in National Budget

Dhaka, 13 June 2024: Several long-term plans have been formulated in Bangladesh to address the impacts of climate change, including the Centenary Delta Plan. However, the budget allocation required to implement the steps mentioned in the plans is not reflected in the annual budget.

The speakers said this in a seminar on self-reliant climate finance organised by EquityBD, AOSED, CLEAN, CSRL and COAST Foundation in Dhaka today, at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity. Climate expert Dr Qazi Khalikuzzaman Ahmad presided over the seminar conducted by EquityBD’s Chief Moderator Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury. Coast Foundation’s climate project Head Mr. Abul Hasan presented the keynote. Sharif Jamil of Water Keepers Bangladesh, Hasan Mehdi of CLEAN, Ziaul Haque Mukta of CSRL, AHM Bazlur Rahman of BNNRC, Aminur Rasul of Unnayan Dhara Trust, Pradip K Roy of ‍Online Knowledge Centre and others spoke as panel speakers.

Abul Hasan, project head of Coast Foundation, highlighted three demands for climate finance, (1) At least 03 percent of GDP should be allocated to climate finance in the national budget following policies and plans to reduce dependence on foreign loans to implement plans for the protection of vulnerable populations; (2) The implementation of the National Strategy Paper on Displacement Management should be added to the climate finance revenue framework and allocated on a priority basis; and (3) to ensure adequate allocation based on local needs separately from the traditional allocation for embankments construction for coastal protection.

Hasan Mehdi of Clean, an organisation in the Khulna region, said that according to the national five-year plan to deal with climate change, we should have at least 10% renewable energy system by 2025, while we have achieved only 3%. There is a big difference between planning and execution.

Mr. Sharif Jamil of Water Keepers Bangladesh said we have a budget allocation for many mega projects’ implementation. However, there is no budget allocation for assessing and correcting the environmental damage caused by those mega projects’ implementation. Due to the implementation of many development projects in Chittagong City, many canals have been damaged and are not able to carry the natural flow of water. Every year the city is submerged in monsoons.

CSRL’s Ziaul Haque Mukta said that we have a national plan and sector-wise allocation to deal with the impact of climate change. But the biggest challenge is that we don’t have any regional plan to face it locally. However, these impacts vary from region to region and, in many cases, cannot be addressed by national planning.

Dr. Kazi Khalikuzzaman Ahmad while giving the closing speech as the chair of the seminar said that we have many examples of good initiatives on climate change. For example, the National River Protection Commission conducted a raid and revealed the names of 50,000 river encroachers. But as the commission has no power, there is no instance of punishing or fining any of them. Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, executive director of Coast Foundation, and moderator of the seminar, said that the embankments play important roles in protecting the people of the coastal area. However, local communities should be involved in the construction and maintenance of embankments. We have seen success in dam maintenance in this model in Bhola, Charfashion.

Related paper [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Position Paper Bangla] [Presentation] [Position Paper English]

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No Loan in Humanitarian Action. No More Debt for Bangladesh: Aid Transparency | Reduced Management Cost | Dignified Policy in Rohingya Response

EquityBD Position Paper, June 2024

No Loan in Humanitarian Action. No More Debt for Bangladesh

Aid Transparency | Reduced Management Cost | Dignified Policy in Rohingya Response

Debt to deal with the refugee crisis?

On August 25, 2017, nearly one million Rohingya people crossed the Naf river and came to the border of Bangladesh to save their lives. Hundreds of women and children lost their lives while crossing the river and the sea. Considering the humanitarian aspects and at the
request of the international community, Bangladesh sheltered nearly one million forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens in Teknaf and Ukhia in Cox’s Bazar district.

In Teknaf and Ukhia, where the number of local people is less than half a million, the housing of a million persecuted and the humanitarian programs organized for them have caused severe damage to the local people including the environment, water, agriculture, health, and education. To compensate for these losses and to improve the living standards of the Rohingya and the local population, the World Bank has recently pledged a total of $700 million in loans to Bangladesh in two separate projects. This is the first time a country has been given a loan to deal with a refugee crisis as complex as the Rohingya crisis.

Developing countries bear the burden of refugees worldwide

As a result of ongoing conflicts around the world, the creation of refugees and their migration to other countries in search of safe shelter is constantly increasing in the world. Most of these refugees, at least 80%, are taking refuge in developing countries, which in many areas lack the capacity for their own development.

For example, in the current economic situation of Bangladesh, the country cannot afford to shelter a million refugees. On purely humanitarian grounds, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh sheltered them at the request of the international community and is providing various services within our limited capacity. Although international humanitarian organizations are doing their best to deal with this crisis and save the lives of a large number of people, providing them with various services including food, medical care, and education, the Bangladesh government is already spending a lot on this matter.

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh said that the government currently spends 1.2 billion dollars on Rohingya refugees every year (The Daily Star, 22 September 2022).

Bangladesh, being not responsible for this in any way, is not supposed to bear this cost. This also applies to other developing countries that have granted asylum to
refugees on humanitarian grounds.

Debt-ridden Bangladesh is being given loans again

The World Bank’s 700 million dollar loan to Bangladesh to deal with the refugee crisis is going to be a bad example. They are going to set an example, based on which, in the future, other developing countries hosting refugees will be enticed, or perhaps forced, to borrow to deal with the crisis. We, the Equity and Justice Working Group, Bangladesh (EquityBD), and other like-minded civil societies protest against this and say that by hosting refugees on humanitarian grounds, Bangladesh and other developing countries are shouldering the responsibility of the rich countries and those who are responsible. To deal with the situation, substantial grants should be provided to developing countries that host
refugees. On the contrary, they are being further indebted with loans. Meanwhile, the per capita debt of Bangladesh is 580 dollars. A lot of allocation is spent from the national budget to repay this debt. In the next fiscal year (2024-25), the interest on the loan will be $12.8 billion (Pratham Alo, 29 May 2024).

Loans instead of grants for the development of local communities affected by the Rohingya response are unethical

In 2017, nearly one million Rohingya people took shelter in Ukhia and Teknaf, affecting the lives of the local people. Half a million people of Cox’s Bazar district have been affected in all aspects including difficulty in transportation, increase in cost of living, food and medical crisis, education, culture and security. About seven thousand fishermen have fallen into poverty by being forced to stop fishing in the Naf rivers in the name of security. About 14 thousand local communities confined inside the Rohingya camps are living in insecurity and fear. In the name of saving the lives of the refugees and improving the quality of lives of the local people affected by this, the World Bank is providing a loan of 700 million dollars to Bangladesh, where a much larger amount of donations is needed. They are giving grants for Rohingya humanitarian programs but giving loans to Bangladesh for the local population. It is unethical.

Loans to reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have been declining alarmingly for the past few years. At present it is so critical that the government cannot avoid the opportunity of increasing the foreign exchange even by taking a loan. Taking advantage of this recent crisis in Bangladesh, the World Bank is forcing the country to take loans. This means that the World Bank is not recognizing the plight of local communities caused by the Rohingya crisis. Which is a shame for organizations engaged in humanitarian response here. Our appeal to the World Bank is that Bangladesh deserves a grant, not a loan, to deal with this crisis.

The responsibility of Rohingya is not only of Bangladesh but of the whole world

Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh said that since we have given shelter to the Rohingya population on humanitarian grounds, we will keep serving them till repatriation.

We want to agree with the Prime Minister and say that this is not the responsibility of only Bangladesh but of the whole world. There are various influential organisations including the UN Security Council, and the International Criminal Tribunal, who could have taken action to get the Rohingyas back to their motherland. So far we have not seen any positive action from them regarding Rohingya repatriation. The burden of the irresponsibility of all will be borne by the refugee-hosting developing countries, including Bangladesh, by taking
loans for it, it is unethical and alarming.

Refugees rise, aid falls: management costs must be cut

Wars and crises are going on all over the world right now. Refugees are increasing, and the need for emergency services is increasing. As a result, the total amount of humanitarian aid allocated around the world is falling short. The gap between humanitarian funding needs and receipts in 2023 was the highest in an era, at $33.6 billion (UN OCHA, 16 Feb 2024). This gap has been increasing steadily over the past few years.

The total funding request by humanitarian agencies for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh in 2023 was $918 million, against which funding came in at only $230 million, which is only 25% of the demand (ISCG, 30 June 2023).

All agencies involved in humanitarian assistance and response work should take immediate action and do their best to reduce management costs given this global crisis. So that the maximum share of aid goes to the affected population. According to a study by the Cox’s
Bazar CSO-NGO Forum (CCNF), only a quarter of the received aid goes directly to the Rohingya community. This is concerning.

Permit income-generating activities to reduce pressure on aid

As funding for the Rohingya response falls dramatically, we need to think about alternative measures. The Rohingya community should be allowed to engage in income-generating activities and immediate steps should be taken to start it. By doing so, dependency on
aid from donor agencies is reduced.

International initiatives on repatriation are urgent now

We do not see any real initiative of the international community to repatriate the Rohingya refugees. Bangladesh’s friendly countries India, China and Russia are in a position to influence Myanmar. They can play important roles in encouraging Myanmar to take them
back to their motherland. We call on the United Nations and other powerful countries, including these friendly countries, to start the repatriation process as soon as possible. If not, the people of Bangladesh will be in debt to fulfil the responsibilities of others.

Loans will not solve the problem but worsen

Bangladesh is already burdened with many debts. Loans will not solve a complex problem like the refugee crisis, but will only exacerbate the problem for Bangladesh. We call on the World Bank and the Government of Bangladesh to immediately cancel this proposed loan
and take repatriation initiatives for an immediate solution to the Rohingya crisis.

Download the Position paper click here


No Loan in Humanitarian Action. No More Debt for Bangladesh : Aid Transparency | Reduced Management Cost | Dignified Policy in Rohingya Response

EquityBD Position Paper, June 2024

No Loan in Humanitarian Action. No More Debt for Bangladesh

Aid Transparency | Reduced Management Cost | Dignified Policy in Rohingya Response

Debt to deal with the refugee crisis?

On August 25, 2017, nearly one million Rohingya people crossed the Naf river and came to the border of Bangladesh to save their lives. Hundreds of women and children lost their lives while crossing the river and the sea. Considering the humanitarian aspects and at the
request of the international community, Bangladesh sheltered nearly one million forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens in Teknaf and Ukhia in Cox’s Bazar district.

In Teknaf and Ukhia, where the number of local people is less than half a million, the housing of a million persecuted and the humanitarian programs organized for them have caused severe damage to the local people including the environment, water, agriculture, health, and education. To compensate for these losses and to improve the living standards of the Rohingya and the local population, the World Bank has recently pledged a total of $700 million in loans to Bangladesh in two separate projects. This is the first time a country has been given a loan to deal with a refugee crisis as complex as the Rohingya crisis.

Developing countries bear the burden of refugees worldwide

As a result of ongoing conflicts around the world, the creation of refugees and their migration to other countries in search of safe shelter is constantly increasing in the world. Most of these refugees, at least 80%, are taking refuge in developing countries, which in many areas lack the capacity for their own development.

For example, in the current economic situation of Bangladesh, the country cannot afford to shelter a million refugees. On purely humanitarian grounds, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh sheltered them at the request of the international community and is providing various services within our limited capacity. Although international humanitarian organizations are doing their best to deal with this crisis and save the lives of a large number of people, providing them with various services including food, medical care, and education, the Bangladesh government is already spending a lot on this matter.

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh said that the government currently spends 1.2 billion dollars on Rohingya refugees every year (The Daily Star, 22 September 2022).

Bangladesh, being not responsible for this in any way, is not supposed to bear this cost. This also applies to other developing countries that have granted asylum to
refugees on humanitarian grounds.

Debt-ridden Bangladesh is being given loans again

The World Bank’s 700 million dollar loan to Bangladesh to deal with the refugee crisis is going to be a bad example. They are going to set an example, based on which, in the future, other developing countries hosting refugees will be enticed, or perhaps forced, to borrow to deal with the crisis. We, the Equity and Justice Working Group, Bangladesh (EquityBD), and other like-minded civil societies protest against this and say that by hosting refugees on humanitarian grounds, Bangladesh and other developing countries are shouldering the responsibility of the rich countries and those who are responsible. To deal with the situation, substantial grants should be provided to developing countries that host
refugees. On the contrary, they are being further indebted with loans. Meanwhile, the per capita debt of Bangladesh is 580 dollars. A lot of allocation is spent from the national budget to repay this debt. In the next fiscal year (2024-25), the interest on the loan will be $12.8 billion (Pratham Alo, 29 May 2024).

Loans instead of grants for the development of local communities affected by the Rohingya response are unethical

In 2017, nearly one million Rohingya people took shelter in Ukhia and Teknaf, affecting the lives of the local people. Half a million people of Cox’s Bazar district have been affected in all aspects including difficulty in transportation, increase in cost of living, food and medical crisis, education, culture and security. About seven thousand fishermen have fallen into poverty by being forced to stop fishing in the Naf rivers in the name of security. About 14 thousand local communities confined inside the Rohingya camps are living in insecurity and fear. In the name of saving the lives of the refugees and improving the quality of lives of the local people affected by this, the World Bank is providing a loan of 700 million dollars to Bangladesh, where a much larger amount of donations is needed. They are giving grants for Rohingya humanitarian programs but giving loans to Bangladesh for the local population. It is unethical.

Loans to reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have been declining alarmingly for the past few years. At present it is so critical that the government cannot avoid the opportunity of increasing the foreign exchange even by taking a loan. Taking advantage of this recent crisis in Bangladesh, the World Bank is forcing the country to take loans. This means that the World Bank is not recognizing the plight of local communities caused by the Rohingya crisis. Which is a shame for organizations engaged in humanitarian response here. Our appeal to the World Bank is that Bangladesh deserves a grant, not a loan, to deal with this crisis.

The responsibility of Rohingya is not only of Bangladesh but of the whole world

Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh said that since we have given shelter to the Rohingya population on humanitarian grounds, we will keep serving them till repatriation.

We want to agree with the Prime Minister and say that this is not the responsibility of only Bangladesh but of the whole world. There are various influential organisations including the UN Security Council, and the International Criminal Tribunal, who could have taken action to get the Rohingyas back to their motherland. So far we have not seen any positive action from them regarding Rohingya repatriation. The burden of the irresponsibility of all will be borne by the refugee-hosting developing countries, including Bangladesh, by taking
loans for it, it is unethical and alarming.

Refugees rise, aid falls: management costs must be cut

Wars and crises are going on all over the world right now. Refugees are increasing, and the need for emergency services is increasing. As a result, the total amount of humanitarian aid allocated around the world is falling short. The gap between humanitarian funding needs and receipts in 2023 was the highest in an era, at $33.6 billion (UN OCHA, 16 Feb 2024). This gap has been increasing steadily over the past few years.

The total funding request by humanitarian agencies for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh in 2023 was $918 million, against which funding came in at only $230 million, which is only 25% of the demand (ISCG, 30 June 2023).

All agencies involved in humanitarian assistance and response work should take immediate action and do their best to reduce management costs given this global crisis. So that the maximum share of aid goes to the affected population. According to a study by the Cox’s
Bazar CSO-NGO Forum (CCNF), only a quarter of the received aid goes directly to the Rohingya community. This is concerning.

Permit income-generating activities to reduce pressure on aid

As funding for the Rohingya response falls dramatically, we need to think about alternative measures. The Rohingya community should be allowed to engage in income-generating activities and immediate steps should be taken to start it. By doing so, dependency on
aid from donor agencies is reduced.

International initiatives on repatriation are urgent now

We do not see any real initiative of the international community to repatriate the Rohingya refugees. Bangladesh’s friendly countries India, China and Russia are in a position to influence Myanmar. They can play important roles in encouraging Myanmar to take them
back to their motherland. We call on the United Nations and other powerful countries, including these friendly countries, to start the repatriation process as soon as possible. If not, the people of Bangladesh will be in debt to fulfil the responsibilities of others.

Loans will not solve the problem but worsen

Bangladesh is already burdened with many debts. Loans will not solve a complex problem like the refugee crisis, but will only exacerbate the problem for Bangladesh. We call on the World Bank and the Government of Bangladesh to immediately cancel this proposed loan
and take repatriation initiatives for an immediate solution to the Rohingya crisis.

Download the Position paper click here


World Bank Loans to Bangladesh will Intensify the Rohingya Crisis

Civil society Protests World Bank’s Loan for Bangladesh to solve the Rohingya crisis

Dhaka, 8 June 2024: The Rohingya crisis has become increasingly more complex in seven years. Persistent funding shortfalls have compounded that crisis. When there is no option but to repatriate, the World Bank intensified this crisis by giving more loans to the already debt-ridden Bangladesh to solve it. Speakers said this at a human chain and rally organised by nine civic and development organisations in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka today.

Led by the Equity and Justice Working Group (EquityBD), the rally was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Krishok Federation, Sundarban O Upakul Surokha Andolon, CSRL, NDF, FN Foundation, Trinamool Unnayan Sangstha, Water Keepers Bangladesh and Youth Net for Climate Justice. EquityBD Secretariat Coordinator Mustafa Kamal Akand moderated the short rally and EquityBD’s Chief Moderator Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury presided over the meeting. Zayed Iqbal Khan of Bangladesh Krishok Federation, Omour Farooq Bhuiya of BDCSO Process, Mamun Kabir of Water Keepers Bangladesh, Assistant Professor Mir Mohammad Ali of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Abdullah Al Hadi Munna of FN Foundation spoke in the meeting. Mr Abul Hossain, President of the Garment Workers Federation, and Lion Akbar Hossain, the brave freedom fighter, spoke in solidarity.

Mustafa Kamal Akand said during the rally that the per capita fund allocated for the Rohingya population has already dropped from $12 to $8. Every year the funding for them is gradually decreasing. However, the international organisations engaged in humanitarian programs are not reducing management costs accordingly. This management cost must be reduced immediately. Otherwise, this crisis will become extreme.

Freedom fighter Lion Akbar Hossain said that debt is always a negative thing. Be it an individual, or a country. Meanwhile, a newly born child in Bangladesh is already in debt. So, we are against making Bangladesh more indebted. To take Bangladesh to the dream we fought for independence, we must get out of debt.

Mir Mohammad Ali, assistant professor of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, said that the World Bank loan will not help Bangladesh in any way. Rather, it will push the already debt-burdened country towards more crisis.

Omour Farooq Bhuiya of BDCSO Process said that Bangladesh is already burdened with debt, which must be paid by the common people of the next generation. Meanwhile, the per capita debt of the country is 580 dollars. Increasing this debt means putting the next generation in debt before they are born.

Mamun Kabir of Water Keepers Bangladesh said that we are not responsible for this crisis. So we will not take any loans to face this crisis. Whether it’s for the Rohingya or the local communities affected by them, we have to be given donations. Not a loan.

EquityBD’s Barkat Ullah Maruf said the refugee crisis around the world is growing but funding for emergency assistance is shrinking. This global funding shortfall against the appeal for emergency response in 2023 was $36 billion. The appeal for the Rohingya Response was some 918 million dollars. Only 25% of the funds asked for was received so far for the Rohingya crisis last year. In such cases, repatriation is the only option. If the World Bank wants to help Bangladesh overcome the crisis, it should provide funds for repatriation.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Chief Moderator of EquityBD, said that the Bangladesh government is spending 1.2 billion dollars every year beyond the Rohingya relief program. When the Bangladesh government asked for assistance in the development of local communities affected by the Rohingya crisis, the World Bank offered a loan for this. We are protesting this because, since Bangladesh is not responsible for this crisis, it must not take loans.

Download related paper [Bangla press] [English press] [Position paper Bangla] [Position Paper English] [Festoons]

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Why should Bangladesh take a loan to meet the world’s responsibility for the Rohingya crisis?

Civil society protests in Cox’s Bazar against the World Bank loan for humanitarian work

Cox’s Bazar, 4 June 2024: The civil society of Cox’s Bazar protested against the World Bank’s offer of a 700 million dollar loan to Bangladesh for the development of the local population affected by the impact of one million Rohingya refugees. This protest was organized by the Cox’s Bazar CSO NGO Forum-CCNF in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office at eleven o’clock today.

Assistant Director of Coast Foundation Jahangir Alam moderated the human band while CCNF Co-Chair and Executive Director of Coast Foundation Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Chief Executive Officer of Dharitri Rakshaye Amara (Dhara) and President of Cox’s Bazar District Press club Fazlul Quader Chowdhury, Writer Maqbul Ahmed, CHRDF’s Chief Executive Ilyas Mia, human rights activist Md Abdullah (Max), CNN Bangla Editor Tauhid Belal, Development for People’s Community (DPCO) Chief Executive Anisul Islam, cultural personality Ramzan Ali, and senior journalist HM Faridul Alam were present. More than 70 people are present at the protest representing various local social organizations.

In his introductory speech, Fazlul Quader Chowdhury said that Bangladesh has given shelter to one million Rohingya, who are victims of the Myanmar junta, for humanitarian reasons. the local population and the environment have been irreparably damaged by doing this. Until now, various donors and the Bangladesh government have provided humanitarian services to the Rohingyas and the affected local population, but recently we see that the World Bank has taken the initiative to provide a loan of 700 million dollars to Bangladesh to deal with the Rohingya crisis, which is very sad. I condemn such initiatives by the World Bank and call for immediate cessation of such initiatives.

Maqbul Ahmed said, there is no precedence for providing loans to help refugees in any country in the world. By providing such loans to Bangladesh, the World Bank is trying to set an example to force future refugee-hosting countries to take loans. He said that although the UN refugee resolution talks about the shelter and cooperation of refugees, the World Bank is imposing a debt burden on the people of Bangladesh to deal with the Rohingya crisis.

Md. Abdullah Max said, Bangladesh is already burdened with debt. Meanwhile, the per capita debt in Bangladesh is already 580 dollars. We do not want this loan. He also said that 40,000 new children are born in this Rohingya camp every year, which is a matter of concern for Bangladesh. We do not see any progress on repatriation. The UN has completely failed in this regard. International organizations and UN agencies should pressure the UN to ensure repatriation.

Elias Mia said the refugee crises and wars have increased around the world. Aid in previous crises is being reduced to meet the needs of new crises. Aid to Rohingya humanitarian programs has also declined. Under these circumstances, management costs in humanitarian programs should be reduced. Transparency should be brought into financial management.

Tauhid Belal said, that due to the Rohingya crisis, the fishermen of Teknaf are forced to stop fishing in the Naf River, and they are living in extreme hardship. They need humanitarian assistance. It is by no means a loan.

Anisul Islam said that we heard that 25% of the Joint Response Plan (JRP) is allocated for the Rohingya humanitarian program for the locals, and we are sceptical about it. NGOs should disclose the correct account of 25% donation and the district administration needs to take a stronger role to ensure its proper monitoring. In this regard, there is also a lack of transparency in the pool fund management of the international NGO, BRAC. They are strategically excluding local organizations and giving funds to NGOs from other parts of Bangladesh to implement Rohingya humanitarian programs, which is the opposite of the spirit of localization.

Related document [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Bangla Position paper] [English position paper]

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Bangladeshi CSOs Sought People at the Centre of Budget 2024-25: Deep Debt Overcasts Opportunities for Sustainability

Dhaka, 18 May 2024: Unprecedented debt will surely derail the hope of sustainability after Bangladesh’s graduation as a middle-income country.

The civil society organizations who participate in the event led by EquityBD include BDCSO Process, Bangladesh Krishok Federation, CLEAN, CSRL, NDF, Online Knowledge Society, Sundarban Bachao Andolon, Young Change Makers, and Water Keepers Bangladesh.

Mustafa Kamal Akanda of COAST Foundation moderated the event chaired by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, the Chief Moderator of EquityBD. Hasan Mehedi of CLEAN, Ferdous Ara Rumee of International Rural Women’s Day, Omour Faruk Bhuiya of BDCSO Process, Mamun Kabir of Water Keepers Bangladesh, Barkat Ullah Maruf of COAST Foundation, Abul Hasan of EquityBD, Mir Mohammad Ali of Shere Bangla Agricultural University, Sohanur Rahman Sohan of Youth Change Maker, and Pradip K Roy of Online Knowledge Society spoke in the event.

Omour Faruk Bhuiya of BDCSO Process said in his speech that the total FY 2024-25 budget will be 8.05 trillion Taka including a debt of 2.75 trillion Taka. The per capita debt is now 580 USD. The repayment of this unprecedented amount of debt will cause reductions in the lifeline of people.

Ferdous Ara Rumee, the secretary general of the International Rural Women’s Day Observation Committee said that 91% of people are involved in the informal sector employment where 95% are women. We must evaluate the progress of women through the yearly gender-budget reporting system.

Mustafa Kamal Akanda of COAST Foundation said that the total budget for roads and highways is 875 billion Taka while there is no allocation for safety in the road. The number of deaths in road accidents in 2023 is 8,505.

Mir Mohammad Ali, Assistant Professor of Shere Bangla Agricultural University said that fisheries and aquaculture employed nearly 1.4 million people but the budget hardly considers how would the poor fisherfolk survive during three to four fishing ban periods across the year.

Pradip K Roy of Online Knowledge Centre said that the government must allocate enough budget for skilled human resources if we want to take advantage of the demographic dividend by 2040.

Mamun Kabir, Head of the Communication and Advocacy Department of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, stated, “We have learned that the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources is allocating Tk 38,300 crore in the 2024-25 fiscal budget. Is there a government plan to achieve the target of 40 percent renewable energy by 2041? We urge the government to honor their commitment to the people and work towards the transition to renewable energy.”

Abul Hasan of EquityBD said that internal climate-induced migration is one of the biggest challenges for Bangladesh. Even after five years of migration strategy paper is developed, not enough investment is declared on it.

Hasan Mehedi of CLEAN said in his speech that the government’s 8th FYP planned to achieve at least 10% renewable energy by 2025, which is now only 3%. The allocation for power in the upcoming budget is 450 billion Taka hardly has the allocation to achieve the target.

Rezaul K Chowdhury, the chief moderator of EquityBD said in the closing remarks that the entire process of budget in Bangladesh is undemocratic. Even the participation of the parliament members in the budget process is questionable.

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Rights-based Civil Society Organizations criticized IMF Loan Conditions: Rationalizing Subsidies Amid Inflation

Dhaka, 6 May 2024: Rights-based civil society organizations, coordinated by the Equity and Justice Working Group (EquityBD), staged a human chain in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka today to protest the stringent conditions imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on its loan to Bangladesh. The speakers urged resistance against IMF advice that undermines the financial interests of ordinary people.

Bangladesh’s economy had been relatively stable in recent years, and the government had not required IMF loans for development. However, the global economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine has caused significant economic stress. As a result, Bangladesh’s economic reserves fell from $41 billion in 2021 to $19.5 billion in 2023, prompting the government to request a $4.7 billion loan from the IMF last year. The IMF is now in Bangladesh to negotiate the release of its third installment, but their stringent conditions are causing concern.

One condition demands the discontinuation of subsidies on electricity, furnace oil, and gas to save dollars. However, the IMF mission is not addressing critical issues like capital flight and money laundering, nor suggesting ways to increase tax revenue. Instead, they recommend increasing indirect taxes, placing a heavier burden on ordinary citizens. The speakers highlighted the need to rationalize subsidies and crack down on financial crimes rather than imposing punitive measures on the public.

Representatives from various organizations stood in solidarity with EquityBD, including Badrul Alam from Bangladesh Krishok Federation, Iqbal Faruk from Water Keepers, Ibnul Said Rana from NDF, Ziaul Haque Mukta from CSRL, Omour Faruk, and Ferdous Ara Rumee from COAST Foundation. The human chain was moderated by Mustafa Kamal Akanda from EquityBD , while Rezaul Karim Chowdhury from EquityBD presided over the event.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury emphasized that subsidies for electricity, oil, and gas are crucial because they benefit the poor and ensure food security through agricultural support. He criticized the IMF’s recommendation to cut subsidies, suggesting instead that the government should focus on reducing capital flight. Badrul Alam pointed out that the IMF’s lack of concern for bankruptcy and capital flight raises questions about their intentions. He suggested that the stringent conditions might undermine food security by discouraging agricultural production.

Other speakers echoed these sentiments. Iqbal Faruk said that Bangladesh should only accept loans that are free of stringent conditions. Ibnul Sayed Rana highlighted that the rising costs of agricultural production are dissuading farmers from continuing their work, which could impact the country’s food security. Ziaul Haque Mukta noted that money laundering and capital flight contribute to the high inflation rate and that those responsible should face severe consequences.

Omour Faruk explained that Bangladesh carries more than $100 billion in foreign loans, with a per capita loan of BDT $580. Furthermore, about BDT 12,000 crore leaves the country annually due to money laundering and offshore banking. He also criticized the IMF’s suggestion to increase VAT and indirect taxes, which primarily affect the general public. Ferdous Ara Rumee pointed out that the IMF’s proposal for a 15% VAT across all transactions is unfairly burdensome on consumers instead of traders. She suggested that to generate revenue, the government should focus on taxing the wealthy directly.

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No More WB-IMF Loans for they Owe Reparations for Deepening the Debt Catastrophe

Civil society protest rally in Bangladesh on the eve of World Bank IMF Spring meetings

Dhaka, 19 April 2024: On the eve of the ongoing World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, USA, civil society worldwide is protesting against their debt catastrophe today, 19 April. As part of that, the Bangladesh civil society organized a protest rally in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka. In addition, the global civil society will create a Twitter storm by posting their protest messages on Twitter today at 8 pm Bangladesh time. Their primary demand is that the illegitimate debt imposed on the people should be canceled immediately because the World Bank and IMF have reparations to pay.

The protest rally, jointly organized by the Asian People’s Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD), Bangladesh Farmers Federation, Coast Foundation, Waterkeepers Bangladesh, and CPRD, was chaired by General Secretary of Bangladesh Farmers Federation Zayed Iqbal Khan and moderated by Coast Foundation Director Mustafa Kamal Akand. Joy Bangla Jatiyo Sramik Federation’s Lovely Yasmin, Coast Foundation’s Deputy Executive Director Sanat Kumar Bhowmik, Waterkeepers Bangladesh’s Iqbal Farooq, World Rural Women’s Day Observation Committee’s General Secretary Ferdous Ara Rumi, CPRD’s Sheikh Noor Ataiah Rabbi, and Bangladesh Bhumihin Samity’s General Secretary Engineer Foyej Ahmed Khan spoke at the meeting.

Coast Foundation Deputy Executive Director Sanat Kumar Bhowmik said in his speech that Bangladesh is offered a loan for the development of local communities affected by the Rohingya refugees and to deal with climate change mitigation. We are not responsible in any part for such problems. So why should we take a loan for this? Those who are responsible for this should compensate us instead.

Ferdous Ara Rumi, general secretary of the World Rural Women’s Day Observation Committee, said that developed countries like Germany pay an average of 1.5% interest on loans, and America gives 3.1%. In comparison, African countries pay an average interest of 11.6%, and Asian countries pay 6.5%. The poorer the country, the higher its interest rate. Because they are taking these higher-interest loans from private institutions as public institutions no longer lend to them.

Zayed Iqbal Khan of the Bangladesh Farmers’ Federation said that developing countries repay their debts mainly from export earnings. In the last decade, they have lost that ability. In 2010, developing countries’ debt accounted for 71% of their exports, rising to 112% in 2022. They have already incurred and continue to incur more debt than their income.

Mostafa Kamal Akand of the Coast Foundation said that developing countries are exhausting their resources to pay the interest on their debts. The 139 World Bank-borrower countries spend 35% of their revenue budgets on debt repayment. Low-income countries (LIC) and lower-middle-income countries (LMIC) pay 57.5% and 44.5%, respectively. He said we refuse this public debt imposed on the poor because the World Bank and the IMF are responsible for their poverty. They should pay historical debt, not debt. The protest rally organized in front of the National Press Club at 10 am today invited everyone to participate in the global protest to be launched through Twitter at 8 pm today Bangladesh time.

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Civil Society Demands Judicial Inquiry on Sadarghat Launch Accident on Eid-Day with Adequate Compensation

Dhaka, April 15, 2024: Nirapad Naupath Bastobayan Jote (Safer Waterway Implementation Alliance) demanded a judicial investigation and punishment of those responsible for the death of five people in the launch accident at Sadarghat on Eid-ul-Fitr, April 11. The leaders of the alliance think the death of five persons is due to negligence and reckless behavior of some people. The case filed in this incident condemned the negligence and reckless driving of the launches for the death.

On the afternoon of Eid, two launches were moored at pontoon number 11 of Dhaka Sadarghat. Although there was not enough space between the moored launches, another launch recklessly tried to enter the pontoon through them. At this time, one of the ropes mooring the launch shattered and thrashed the five passengers waiting on the pontoon, who died on the spot. During Eid and other festive days, there is always extra pressure on the jetties, so extra surveillance and security measures were expected. The alliance leaders call for an end to such undesirable instances in the waterways of Bangladesh. They raised the following demands for a secure Bangladesh’s waterways.

(1) A high court judge should lead the investigation committee. (2) The committee should also have experts and representatives of affected family members. (3) Reports of all past investigation committees to be published immediately. (4) Adequate police force must be deployed under the Marine Magistrate Court. (5) Launch owners must ensure insurance for all passengers and ensure a passenger list before departure of every trip. (6) All those responsible for the accident should be brought under exemplary punishment. (7) Additional inspectors and police force should be deployed at the jetty during Eid, Puja, other festivals, and storms. (8) Immediate maximum compensation must be given to the families of those who died in the launch accident on April 11, 2024.

Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, chief coordinator of the alliance, said that waterways in Bangladesh are the most cost-effective and safe. We want the government to give utmost importance to securing this cost-effective waterway for transporting people and goods.

Since 2003, this alliance has been agitating to make Bangladesh’s waterways safe, and they have regularly made these demands. On July 8, 2003, MV Nasreen sank, resulting in the loss of many lives. Almost 15 years after this incident, the alliance has presented various recommendations to implement safer waterways every year. In 2006, the alliance published research outlining the root causes of maritime accidents and recommendations for remedial measures. In a press conference on February 25, 2015, the coalition demanded the appointment of additional magistrates and police at the jetties during the Eid and Puja holidays and storm seasons.

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‘The Submission to the UN Tax negotiations process we coordinated as leads on tax at the FFD Mechanism with over 170 signatories is posted here

For the kind attention of:
Mr. Ramy Youseff, Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee to Draft Terms of Reference for a United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation

Cc: Permanent Representatives and Observers to the UN in New York, 15 March 2024
Subject: Joint civil society and trade unions submission in response to the call for inputs to the work of the Ad Hoc Committee to Draft Terms of Reference for a United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation

Your Excellency,
We, the undersigned over 175 civil society organizations and trade unions, strongly welcome the UNGA Resolution 78/230, including the work to develop a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation (FCITC). Furthermore, we appreciate the opportunity to submit inputs to the work of the Ad Hoc Committee to Draft Terms of Reference for a United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation (‘the Committee’).

Please find below a joint submission on behalf of the Civil Society FfD Mechanism and all of the undersigned organizations and trade unions. The submission was coordinated by the Global Alliance for Tax Justice (GATJ), which facilitates the CS FfD Mechanism’s Tax Justice Workstream with the support of one its members, the European Network on Debt and Development (Eurodad). GATJ is a Southern-led global coalition in the tax justice movement. We remain at your disposal if you would like to receive more information, or would be very happy to meet to discuss this issue further.
Yours sincerely,
Civil Society Financing for Development Mechanism (www.csoforffd.org)

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