Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan urged all government agencies to switch to renewable energy within two to three years, saying a strong example from public offices will help the whole country move faster toward clean power. She spoke as the chief guest at the opening plenary of an international conference called Road to COP30, which focused on aligning national interests with global climate goals and emphasized practical climate solutions that work. Rizwana highlighted steps already under way, noting that the Department of Environment with support from the World Bank is building green office complexes and working with architects and engineers to create model eco-friendly buildings that use less energy. She warned that weak global rules and double counting of climate finance can harm trust and slow real support, and she urged Bangladesh to stay proactive in protecting livelihoods and industries while seeking help. Rizwana pointed to the government’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution as a sign of broad national ownership and asked the Department of Environment to prepare a clear work plan with sector-by-sector goals for transport, agriculture and industry, backed by timelines and measurable actions. She described the newly formed Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership and said four working groups will include civil society and academia to provide technical guidance and policy insight for practical projects. Speakers at the session discussed shifting harmful practices in building and industry, with special attention on brick kilns and the need for alternative materials, and Rizwana suggested using dredged river sediment as a sustainable option instead of fertile topsoil. On adaptation, she urged coastal afforestation, rainwater harvesting and low-cost desalination to boost resilience in vulnerable shoreline areas. The event brought together experts and partners, including academic advisers, development officials, department leaders, representatives of foreign development partners, industry voices and a senior climate officer from regional banks, and it was presided over by a civil society leader. Panelists and guests called for close cooperation among ministries, builders, development partners and local communities to turn plans into action, train people to use new technology and funding well, and ensure women, young people and marginalized groups are included so solutions reach everyone. Organizers said short-term steps like green offices, risk mapping and simple local projects can be tested and scaled, and they invited donors to support local ideas with finance and technology. Officials said they will monitor progress and adjust plans as needed.
