ANTALYA, Türkiye: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged developed countries to provide grants rather than loans to climate-vulnerable nations, warning that debt repayments are compounding the economic hardships caused by climate change.
Addressing the high-level segment of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, the prime minister said Bangladesh contributed less than 0.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions but remained among the countries most exposed to climate-related disasters.
He said the growing costs of climate-induced losses and damage were placing considerable pressure on vulnerable economies, while rising debt-servicing obligations and limited financial resources were further restricting their ability to respond.
“Climate-vulnerable countries need grants, not more loans that increase their debt,” Rahman said, calling for predictable financial assistance, access to modern technologies and stronger international support for adaptation.
He presented a five-point proposal for reforming global climate cooperation, invoking the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities.
The proposals included directing at least 50 percent of international climate finance towards adaptation, introducing debt-relief mechanisms such as Debt-for-Climate Swaps and Climate-Resilient Debt Clauses, and ensuring equitable access to climate-friendly technologies and their transfer to developing countries.
He also called for accelerating renewable energy development through affordable financing and skills development, alongside a just transition that protects vulnerable communities and workers.
The prime minister urged COP31 to adopt the Belem-Antalya Action Mechanism for a just transition, with fair financing and trade arrangements at its core.
He stressed that women and young people must have a meaningful role in climate action, while green employment opportunities should be expanded and global emissions reduced to keep the 1.5C temperature target within reach.
Turning to Bangladesh’s domestic climate and energy agenda, Rahman said the country was committed to developing a trillion-dollar economy that would be resilient to climate change and environmentally sustainable.
Guided by the philosophy of “Bangladesh Before All”, the government believes economic development and environmental protection must advance together, he said.
Bangladesh has set a target of meeting 20 percent of its electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030, with plans to develop 4,000 megawatts of solar power backed by special tax incentives. The government is also promoting waste-to-energy projects, he added.
Highlighting progress in green industrialisation, Rahman said nearly 300 ready-made garment factories in the country had secured Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
The government is also encouraging electric vehicles, promoting environmentally friendly products such as jute bags and developing a national framework for carbon trading, he said.
On environmental restoration, Rahman announced a plan to plant 250 million trees over the next five years.
He said the government also planned to excavate 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals, alongside implementing the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage master plans, to improve water retention, reduce flood risks, restore wetlands and replenish groundwater.
Mangrove restoration on reclaimed coastal land is another priority aimed at strengthening natural protection for vulnerable communities, he added.
The prime minister expressed hope that COP31 would produce meaningful, balanced and ambitious outcomes, particularly for countries bearing the greatest consequences of climate change.
He thanked the Turkish government for hosting the conference and Australia for leading the negotiations.
Before attending the high-level session, Rahman visited the Bangladesh pavilion, where the country’s jute products were being showcased. His wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, accompanied him.
Speaking briefly to journalists, he highlighted initiatives to revive and promote Bangladesh’s traditional jute industry and expand the international appeal of its natural-fibre products.
“Let us turn our commitments into action. Let us strengthen global solidarity and build a sustainable future together,” he said.