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Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni
Chief Whip of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Nurul Islam Moni has called upon the international community to ensure climate justice and uphold Bangladesh's rightful entitlement rather than offering grants to tackle the severe fallout of climate change. He asserted that Bangladesh does not require charity or pity to manage climate-induced crises; rather, the international community must guarantee what the nation legitimately deserves under global climate justice frameworks.
The Chief Whip made the remarks as the chief guest on Sunday (October 25) during a special discussion held at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the capital. The session, titled "Bangladesh at COP-31: From National Priorities to Global Climate Action," was organized by the 'Ajker Projonmo Forum' (APF) in partnership with the 'Young Climate Action Network'.
Highlighting the harsh environmental reality of the country, the Chief Whip noted that Bangladesh contributes a negligible 0.47 percent to global carbon emissions. Despite this minimal footprint, the nation of nearly 200 million people suffers from some of the most catastrophic and devastating consequences of climate change. In coastal districts like Barguna and Khulna, rising salinity in river waters has triggered acute crises in safe drinking water supplies, severely impacting local fisheries and agriculture. Furthermore, recurrent catastrophic floods continue to destroy homes, paddy fields, livestock, and ancestral homesteads, generating immense human suffering each year.
Addressing the historical liability of developed nations, he pointed out that Bangladesh has never incited global conflicts nor manufactured armaments of war, yet innocent citizens are forced to bear the burden of historical emissions generated by industrialized countries. He urged the immediate removal of arbitrary international bureaucratic complexities that obstruct access to global climate funds. He emphasized the necessity of ensuring rigorous transparency and proper utilization so that financial assistance reaches vulnerable, frontline communities directly.
Urging all stakeholders to forcefully present Bangladesh's priorities at the upcoming COP-31 international climate summit, the Chief Whip called for unified action to secure the nation's rightful dues and stressed the vital role of youth in amplifying these demands on global platforms. Other distinguished speakers at the event included Dr. Saimum Parvez, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Environment, Forest, and Climate Change; Dr. Susan Vize, UNESCO Country Representative to Bangladesh; and Sonali Dayaratne, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative. Representatives from organizing bodies, youth delegates, and media professionals were also in attendance.
