Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday informed the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) that the government has undertaken a wide-ranging plan to address the adverse impacts of climate change.
The current government’s election manifesto prioritises combating climate change. To tackle the adverse impact of climate change, the government has undertaken multifaceted action plans and programmes, particularly in the water resources sector,” he said.
The prime minister, who is currently visiting Moulvibazar, shared the plans in a written answer in response to a question that was tabled in parliament on Wednesday from treasury bench lawmaker Md Robiul Awal, who represents the Tangail-6 constituency, during the House session this afternoon, with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, presiding.
The Prime Minister noted that Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world due to its geographical location, dense population, extensive river system, and coastal features.
He said, “due to climate change, the frequency and intensity of cyclones, storm surges, floods, flash floods, river erosion, droughts, excessive rainfall, lightning, heatwaves and salinity intrusion are increasing, adversely affecting livelihoods, agriculture, infrastructure, the environment and the economy.”
Highlighting the major initiatives to address climate change, he said, “the Padma Barrage Project, involving Taka 34,347 crore, was approved on May 13 this year for implementation in the first phase.”
The Prime Minister informed the House that the project will increase water flow in the Padma River during the dry season through water conservation, revive river systems in Padma-dependent areas, reduce salinity intrusion in the southern region, restore ecological balance in the Sundarbans, improve drainage systems, reduce waterlogging, expand irrigation facilities and enhance water security.
“The project is also expected to generate 113 megawatts of hydropower and contribute an additional 0.45 per cent growth to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” he added.
Tarique Rahman said, "in line with the current government’s election pledge, the nationwide programme for excavation and re-excavation of rivers, canals and water bodies is going on, aimed at increasing the use of surface water, improving irrigation and drainage systems, boosting agricultural production and improving the environment."
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