Dhaka, 14 June 2026: Climate activists and speakers have said that the proposed climate budget for FY 2026–27 does not reflect the funding required to implement long-term climate adaptation plans. They noted that, despite steady GDP growth, climate allocations have not increased proportionately, continuing a business-as-usual approach. In the current budget, climate spending stands at only 0.76% of GDP, which they described as far below implementation needs. They urged that climate finance be treated as a strategic national priority, with allocation raised to at least 3% of GDP to protect vulnerable communities.
Speakers demanded a separate adaptation plan for coastal water management, stating that two key areas must be prioritized. First, infrastructure development for coastal protection, including the construction and modernization of embankments, sluice gates, drainage systems, and other water infrastructure, as well as the renovation of old polders and embankments and the development of climate-resilient coastal protection structures. Second, improvement of safe water supply and irrigation systems through rainwater harvesting via pond excavation, restoration of open water bodies and canals, expansion of water-saving irrigation technologies, and development of salinity-tolerant agriculture. They also urge for stringent rules in respect of commissioning deep tube wells to save underground water, especially in Coxsbazar and in Rohingya refugee camps. There should immediately embargo on installing deep tube wells in Rohingya camp, Naf river water should be treated to supply drinking water in the Rohingya refugee camps.
Today, 14 June 2026, speakers raised these demands at the seminar titled “National Budget 2026–27 and Climate Allocation,” which was held at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka, jointly organized by COAST Foundation, BDSCO Process, and EquityBD. The seminar was moderated by Mr. M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation. Speakers included Mr. Md. Ziaul Haque, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment; Mr. Shamsul Haque, Executive Director of SDI; Mr. Md. Mosharraf Hossain, Microfinance Policy and Advocacy Specialist; Mr. Tarek Sayeed Harun, Director of RDRS Bangladesh; Mr. Md. Motahar Hossain, General Secretary of the Environmental Journalists Forum; Mr. Syed Aminul Haque, Director of COAST Foundation; Mr. Omar Faruk Bhuiyan of EquityBD; Mr. Iqbal Uddin of the BDCSO Process; Mr. Md. Ahsanul Wahed of Manusher Jonno Foundation; Mr. Neyamat Ullah, Bhola District Correspondent of The Daily Prothom Alo; and Mr. Raihan Badal, President of the Dashmina Journalists’ Association, among others. Mr. M. A. Hasan, Head of the Climate Change Department of COAST Foundation, presented the keynote paper.
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation, stressed that climate justice for coastal communities must be reflected in the national budget. He highlighted salinity, river erosion, water scarcity, and climate-induced displacement as key challenges affecting livelihoods. He called for transparent climate financing focused on vulnerable groups.
Mr. Md. Ziaul Haque, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment, identified two key priorities: protection from water-related disasters and waterborne diseases, and ensuring adequate, safe water for drinking and agriculture. To address the severe drinking water crisis, he emphasized seawater desalination, pond excavation, and rainwater harvesting and storage. He strongly stated that these measures must be learned, adopted, and implemented safely and at scale.
Mr. Md. Mosharraf Hossain, Microfinance Policy and Advocacy Specialist, stated that the budget deficit can be reduced through improved governance and institutional reforms. He emphasized strengthening accountability, including reforms in anti-corruption and key ministries, to ensure better financial management and efficiency.
Mr. Tarek Sayeed Harun, Director of RDRS Bangladesh warned about declining private sector investment and noted that Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) contribute around 22% to GDP but still lack proper recognition. He described the sector as clean and accountable, and urged government recognition along with funding support from the Bangladesh Bank. Syed Aminul Haque called for a dedicated MF finance system for MFIs in the national budget and a policy to address intentional loan defaulters with improved Credit Information Bureau (CIB) access.
Please download related paper [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Position Paper Bangla] [Presentation]
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