Conscious Citizens Committee (CCC), Khulna district unit of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), a social movement against corruption yesterday demanded ensuring of transparency and accountability in the use of Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (BCCTF) and Bangladesh Climate Change Resilience Fund (BCCRF) is necessary for the betterment of the people of Bangladesh. Convener of climate affairs sub-committee of Khulna CCC Prof Md Anwarul Quadir made the demand while addressing a press conference held at the VIP Lounge of Khulna Press Club under Sadar police station in the city.
In his written statement Prof Quadir demanded several points including disclose all climate finance related ToRs, agreements, manuals/procedures and project related information, make the environmental impact assessment especially impacts on forest and ecology as well as social impacts where applicable, before approving the particular project, appoint Climate Ombudsmen or a national platform to ensure efficient management of climate finance, ensure the participation of experienced expert’s not having clash-of-interest in the process of project selection and approval process of BCCTF, BCCRF and PKSF as well, ensure the exemplary punishment to the corrupt individuals. He also demanded construction of cyclone resistant houses for landless, poor and Sidr and Aila affected people of Khulna. Reconstruct the sustainable embankment of the coastal and its adjacent char areas of Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira and other 16 coastal districts.
In a quarry Prof Quadir replied to protect the misuse of funds ensures transparency, accountability and brings momentum in climate finance management. There is no alternative of participatory project development and ensuring transparency and accountability at all levels of climate finance, he added.
Anwarul Quadir said, “Bangladesh is a disaster prone country due to its geographical location, geological set-up, land characteristics and multiplicity of rivers; he said adding climate change impacts render the country highly vulnerable to natural disasters and hazards.
The industrial countries were mainly responsible for environmental pollution, whereas under-developed countries like Bangladesh were becoming the victims of their activities, he added.”
Convener Quadir blamed rich countries for prevailing global climatic situation and suggested long-term economic and social development framework to resolve the effects of climate change.
Among others, Vice-President of CCC, Khulna district unit and Freedom fighter Sheikh Abdul Qaiyum, CCC members Nasrin Haider, Monowara Begum, MA Abdul Kaiyum, TIB Area Manager Md Firoz Uddin, were present in the press conference.