DHAKA, Nov 2, 2026 - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will attend the two-day World Leaders’ Climate Action Summit at the 31st UN Climate Conference of Parties (COP31) in Türkiye, where Bangladesh will call for grant-based climate finance and greater accountability from major carbon-emitting countries. Report BSS
“The Honorable Prime Minister will make a very brief visit this time… He will attend the two-day high-level session,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told journalists at the foreign ministry on Monday.
COP31 will be held at the Antalya Expo Center in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20. The high-level World Leaders’ Climate Action Summit is scheduled for November 11–12.
Shama said Bangladesh would highlight its achievements in climate resilience and adaptation while urging developed countries to fulfil their responsibilities towards climate-vulnerable nations.
Bangladesh will particularly advocate for climate financing through grants rather than loans, arguing that countries contributing negligibly to global greenhouse gas emissions should not be pushed into further debt to address climate impacts.
“Although Bangladesh contributes virtually nothing to carbon emissions, we ultimately become victims of their consequences,” she said.
The state minister said Bangladesh would also call for major carbon-emitting countries to be held accountable for their commitments under international climate agreements.
The Prime Minister is expected to present climate and environmental initiatives undertaken by the BNP-led government over the past eight months. These include canal excavation, extensive tree-plantation programs and greater emphasis on solar power and other renewable energy sources.
Shama said the initiatives reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening climate resilience, protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. Bangladesh would also showcase how its people are adapting to climate change and building resilience against its adverse impacts, particularly in South Asia and the wider Asian region.
Asked about the Prime Minister’s travel schedule, delegation and detailed negotiating position, Shama said the government would hold a formal press briefing before the visit.
“The details will be shared at the press conference before the Honorable Prime Minister’s departure,” she said.
COP31 is expected to focus on accelerating implementation of the Paris Agreement, strengthening climate adaptation, mobilizing finance for vulnerable countries and advancing the global transition to clean energy.
As one of the countries highly vulnerable to climate change, Bangladesh has consistently called for predictable and accessible international climate finance, particularly for adaptation, disaster preparedness and addressing climate-induced loss and damage.
The summit will bring together heads of state and government to strengthen political commitments, accelerate climate action and mobilize international cooperation to address the worsening climate crisis.
Türkiye will host and preside over COP31, while Australia will chair the negotiations.
