BANGLADESH remains one of the most vulnerable nations in the world when it comes to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, erratic weather patterns and frequent natural disasters have made the threat both immediate and long-lasting. Despite these challenges, the country has embarked on a transition towards becoming a climate-resilient society. Through the development of an extensive policy framework and a variety of climate actions at national and local levels, Bangladesh is demonstrating its intent to confront the crisis head-on.
A number of key policies and strategic documents underpin this transition. These include the updated Nationally Determined Contribution in 2022, the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan of 2009, the visionary Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, the recently adopted National Adaptation Plan in 2022, and the Bangladesh Climate Change Gender Action Plan published in 2023.
However, translating these ambitions into tangible outcomes remains a formidable challenge. The country continues to face significant obstacles in areas such as strengthening climate governance, cultivating skilled human resources, mobilising sufficient climate finance — both from domestic and international sources — and enhancing the capacity of key institutions. As the global community turns its attention to the upcoming 30th Conference of the Parties in Belem, Brazil, these implementation hurdles in countries like Bangladesh are expected to be a central focus, particularly under the theme of global climate governance.
The National Adaptation Programme of Action, first prepared in 2005 and updated in 2009, was Bangladesh’s initial response to climate threats under the guidance of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It proposed 15 projects aimed at capacity building and adaptation in various sectors. This was followed by the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan in 2008, revised in 2009, which adopted a more holistic approach. It examined the types of climate hazards the country faces and recommended strategies for risk reduction and adaptation. The strategy identified six priority areas: food security and social protection, comprehensive disaster preparedness, resource and infrastructure protection, knowledge and capacity building, sustainable low-carbon development and institutional strengthening.
Recognising the need for more medium- and long-term strategies, the National Adaptation Plan was formulated in 2022. The vision of the plan is to create a climate-resilient nation through effective adaptation that fosters sustainable economic growth and inclusive development. It outlines six goals, including protection from climate vulnerabilities and natural disasters, the development of climate-resilient agriculture, the promotion of climate-smart urban areas, nature-based solutions for conservation, good governance in local planning and transformative capacity building.
The formulation process for the National Adaptation Plan was notably participatory, iterative, and country-driven. It aimed to be inclusive of gender concerns and drew upon both scientific research and indigenous knowledge. The plan identifies eight primary sectors to focus on for adaptation: water resources; disaster response and social safety; agriculture; fisheries, aquaculture and livestock; urban development; ecosystems, wetlands and biodiversity; policies and institutions; and capacity building, research and innovation. It also takes into account cross-cutting issues such as health, gender, youth, ethnic communities, the elderly, persons with disabilities, water and sanitation, and private sector involvement , ensuring that climate strategies are aligned with national development aspirations.
The importance of social justice and gender equity in climate policy has been underscored by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its Sixth Assessment Report published in 2022. In response, Bangladesh has developed the Bangladesh Climate Change Gender Action Plan. This plan aligns with the Paris Agreement and aims to integrate gender concerns into all climate-related policies and interventions. It identifies key areas for action, including natural resources such as land, water, forestry and biodiversity; climate-resilient livelihoods in agriculture, livestock and fisheries; and climate-resilient infrastructure including housing, energy, and water, sanitation and hygiene services.
In terms of greenhouse gas mitigation, Bangladesh first submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions in 2015. These targeted a 5 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030, with the potential to increase this to 10 per cent with international support. The updated version, submitted in 2021, expanded the scope of action across several sectors including energy, industry, transport, agriculture, forestry, land use and waste management. The updated plan also highlights the importance of private sector engagement in mitigation efforts and presents significant opportunities to integrate social equity and gender considerations into implementation.
Despite the strong policy architecture, there is still much to be done to ensure these plans lead to effective action. While Bangladesh has successfully aligned its climate policies with international commitments such as the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, implementation on the ground requires substantial improvements in coordination among institutions, capacity building at all levels, and predictable financial support. There is a pressing need to foster leadership skills, especially among local government officials, women and youth groups. Ensuring that vulnerable populations, including indigenous communities, have a seat at the planning table is also critical for inclusive and locally grounded climate action.
As the global community prepares for COP-30, the world’s eyes will turn once again to the urgent need for accelerated climate action. This conference in Brazil is expected to concentrate on mitigation, adaptation, climate finance, and the transfer of technology. It will also be an opportunity to revisit the issue of climate governance, both globally and nationally. For countries like Bangladesh, the stakes could not be higher. The narrowing window for effective climate action requires bold decisions, stronger collaboration, and genuine political will — not only to meet global goals but also to secure a future for millions who are already living on the frontline of climate change.
Dr Atiq Rahman is the executive director and Dr Dwijen Mallick is a senior fellow of the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies.