Tarique Rahman sets 2030 renewable energy target, pledges 250 million trees and calls for grants instead of loans for climate-vulnerable countries.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman addresses the High-Level Segment of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, on Thursday (12 November 2026). Photo: PMO
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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman addresses the High-Level Segment of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, on Thursday (12 November 2026). Photo: PMO
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to building a trillion-dollar, climate-resilient and sustainable economy, stressing that economic growth and environmental protection must go hand in hand.
“Guided by our philosophy of ‘Bangladesh Before All’, we believe economic growth and environmental protection must go hand in hand. Our industrialisation and development must protect nature and maintain ecological balance,” he said while addressing the High-Level Segment of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) today (12 November).
Highlighting Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change despite contributing less than 0.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the prime minister outlined the government’s plans for a green transition.
He said the government aims to meet 20% of the country’s electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030 and is working to develop 4,000 megawatts of solar power, backed by special tax incentives. It is also promoting waste-to-energy projects.
The government is encouraging green industrialisation, with nearly 300 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified ready-made garment factories now operating in Bangladesh, he said.
Other initiatives include promoting electric vehicles and environment-friendly products such as jute bags, as well as developing a national framework for carbon trading.
The prime minister also announced plans to plant 250 million trees over the next five years and excavate 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals to improve water retention, reduce flood risks, restore wetlands and recharge groundwater.
He said the government was also pursuing the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage Master Plan and restoring mangroves on reclaimed coastal land to protect vulnerable communities.
Calls for climate finance reform
Pointing to shortcomings in the global climate finance system, Tarique Rahman said funding remained inadequate and often failed to reflect the needs and priorities of developing countries.
“Climate-vulnerable countries need grants, not more loans that increase their debt,” he said, calling for reliable financial support, access to modern technology and greater assistance for adaptation.
He urged the international community to allocate at least 50% of climate finance to adaptation, introduce debt-relief measures such as Debt-for-Climate Swaps and Climate-Resilient Debt Clauses, and ensure fair access to climate-friendly technologies.
He also called for affordable financing, skills development and a fair transition to renewable energy, alongside the adoption of the Belem-Antalya Action Mechanism for a just transition at COP31.
The prime minister stressed the need to involve women and young people in climate action, create decent green jobs and accelerate global emission cuts to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius target within reach.
Expressing hope for meaningful and ambitious outcomes from COP31, he urged world leaders to turn their commitments into action and strengthen global solidarity.
At the outset of his speech, he thanked the Turkish government for hosting the conference and Australia for leading the negotiations.
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