Economy
Prof Yunus calls for channeling robust resources for climate adaptation in Bangladesh
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today (27 September) called for channelling robust resources for climate adaptation in the climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh.
“It is moreover crucial to operationalise Loss and Damage Fund by leveraging innovative solutions and additional finance,” he said in his speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly.
Speaking in Bangla Prof Yunus said they equally need access to technologies and increased capacity.
“To be specific, we need access to live-saving technologies, particularly in agriculture, water or public health, where trickle of modest solutions or innovations can save millions of vulnerable population,” he said.
Tackling climate crisis has to go hand in hand with getting global economy in order as well, Yunus mentioned.
Climate change poses existential threats to all and the record-breaking heat wave this summer starkly reminded the world of the climate-induced changes.
“What we need is climate justice – so that the irresponsible choices or, indifferent actions or, harms caused are accounted for,” said the chief adviser.
“Long-term damages leave irreparable damages all-around: we are losing bio-diversity; changing pathogens leading to newer diseases; farming is under stress; shrinking water wealth threatening habitat; rising sea level and salinity decimating eco-systems,” he added.
The damages in terms of rising intensity and frequency of cyclones or floods can hardly be ignored.
The climatic risks are faced far deeper by our small farmers and artisanal livelihood-holders.
“As I speak, over five million people witnessed a most devastating flood in their living memory, in eastern Bangladesh,” Prof Yunus said.
Yet, Secretary-General Guterres showed that under the “current trajectory”, the world is heading for a +2.7°C scenario.
“The world is increasingly focussed on de-carbonisation. In order for such a shift to be beneficial to majority of global population, the transformative vision of a NetZero world has to redeem for countries like Bangladesh as well,” Prof Yunus said.
“Else, we risk falling short on our pledge to ‘shared prosperity’ through ‘shared responsibility’,” he added.
He believes the world needs to engage on a shared vision of ‘three zeroes’ that they can materialise together, targeting zero poverty, zero unemployment, and, zero net carbon emissions.
“Where a young person anywhere in the world will have opportunities to grow not as a job seeker but as entrepreneur; where a young person can unleash his or her latent creativity despite all limitations; where an entrepreneur can optimally balance social benefits, economic profits and responsibility towards nature; where social business can help an individual transcend beyond consumerism and can ultimately catalyse in social and economic transformation,” he said.
Time demands new attitudes, new values, new compact(s), across communities and countries, across developed and developing countries alike, across all actors and stakeholders, said the chief adviser.
“If we are to realize such course correction, in full, the United Nations system, national and sub-national governments, non-governmental organizations, business, philanthropies have to walk together,” he said.
“If we accept and accommodate ‘social business’ within existing economic structures, we can bring meaningful changes in the lives of the bottom half of population, in every society.”
He said if they can realistically position social business, we can stem much of climate-insensitive distortions within the existing market economy.
Prof Yunus invited the attention of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on that score.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
