Bangladesh must strengthen its economic resilience to cope with the growing impacts of climate change, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo said recently, warning that rising temperatures, floods, droughts and salinity are increasingly threatening agriculture, industry and livelihoods.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Green Dialogue: Climate Change and Economic Restructuring”, organised by Bonik Barta in Dhaka.
Mintoo said climate change was no longer a future threat but a present economic challenge. Rising heat is reducing industrial workers’ productivity, while increasing salinity in coastal areas is putting pressure on farmland and freshwater supplies.
Floods, excessive rainfall and droughts are also disrupting agricultural production and damaging roads and transport infrastructure, raising costs and threatening industrial output, exports and employment.
Referring to Bangladesh’s economic challenges, including slower growth, inflation, investment constraints and pressure on the energy sector, the minister cited a World Bank forecast projecting GDP growth of 3.4% in FY2025–26.
Although the figure was not final, he said it highlighted the need to strengthen economic resilience and integrate climate risks into development planning.
