Bangladesh wants money for climate projects, and its environment minister says the country has to show donors something worth funding. Abdul Awal Mintoo, who heads the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, told the opening of the Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership (BCDP) Knowledge Conference 2026 that national climate policies must become integrated programmes, high-quality projects, suitable financing and measurable outcomes.
Mintoo spoke on Wednesday as chief guest at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. Today’s development decisions, he said, will set the country’s climate risks for decades, so every major investment needs a climate assessment.
Paying for adaptation
The minister conceded that adaptation spending does not always bring a direct financial return, though it protects public welfare. He called for climate finance structures that reflect Bangladesh’s own development priorities, and urged private investment in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure.
He also launched the BCDP web portal. The digital platform is meant to allow real-time monitoring of projects, streamline domestic and international climate finance pipelines and make investment management more transparent.
What other speakers said
State Minister for Environment Sheikh Faridul Islam pointed to mounting pressure on coastal communities, among them rising salinity and falling crop yields. Dr Md Saimum Parvez, the prime minister’s special assistant on environment, forest and climate change, stressed locally led adaptation, accessible grant financing and stronger institutional capacity. He wants the conference to end in concrete action plans.
Satya Srinivas Lolla, executive director at the Asian Development Bank, said carrying out Bangladesh’s national climate plans will take substantial public and private investment. He pledged the bank’s help in bridging gaps in funding and technical expertise.
The ministry organised the two-day event with the ADB. More than 500 policymakers, development partners, experts and civil society representatives attended. Acting Secretary Dr Fahmida Khanom chaired the opening ceremony, Additional Secretary (Climate Change) Mohammad Naveed Shafiullah gave the welcome address and Joint Secretary Munira Sultana moderated. The conference runs through October 8.
