Staff Reporter:  Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources, announced that the World Bank will provide USD 300 million to support the Bangladesh Clean Air Project (BCAP). This initiative aims to strengthen air quality management and reduce emissions from key sectors. The project will be funded by an IDA credit, along with a potential grant for clean cooking initiatives as part of the National Air Quality Management Plan.

The advisor shared this news following a high-level meeting held at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, where Martin Raiser, Vice President of the World Bank South Asia Region, and Abdoulaye Seck, World Bank's Country Director  for Bangladesh met her on Sunday, 29 September. 

During the meeting, the Environment Advisor also called for the World Bank's assistance in waste management and the restoration of Dhaka’s canals to create a "blue network." She further mentioned the possibility of support for a Loss and Damage Fund, as well as aid in implementing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The advisor highlighted the government’s strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development, stressing the importance of integrated approaches to water resource management and climate change mitigation.

World Bank Vice President Martin Raiser commended Bangladesh’s efforts to implement progressive environmental policies and affirmed the Bank’s support in aligning these efforts with global best practices. Abdoulaye Seck, Bangladesh Country Director, emphasized the importance of international collaboration and strategic investments to achieve long-term sustainability goals.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, the Additional Secretary of the Environment Ministry, and other officials from both the Ministry and the World Bank were also present at the meeting.

The discussions concluded with both sides committing to deeper cooperation on environmental governance, climate resilience, and water resource management, with a mutual goal of working towards a sustainable future for Bangladesh.

Biniyougbarta/Sam//