Say speakers at Climate Justice Assembly 2025
Two advisers of the interim government yesterday accused the Global North of failing to ensure climate justice and urged wealthy countries to provide proper compensation to climate change–affected nations like Bangladesh.
The Global North refers to industrialised and wealthier countries, mainly in North America, Europe, and parts of East Asia, which historically account for the largest share of global emissions.
The advisers made the remarks at the inauguration of the two-day Climate Justice Assembly 2025 at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University.
The assembly was organised by the climate and environmental citizens' platform Dhoritri Rokkhay Amra–Dhora, and was attended by hundreds of local and international activists, researchers, experts, and representatives of climate-affected communities.
Speakers expressed concern over the growing gap between global climate commitments and concrete action, and called for accountability and justice from wealthy countries responsible for climate change.
Social Welfare Adviser Sharmin S Murshid said Bangladesh, despite contributing very little to global carbon emissions, is among the countries most affected by the climate crisis.
"We are not indebted to industrialised nations; rather, they are indebted to us. Climate justice is now a matter of accountability and effective action," she said.
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said climate change should not be treated only as a technical or economic issue.
"Climate justice means justice, survival, and accountability," she said, adding that the Global North often offers loans instead of justice.
Eminent economist Prof Anu Muhammad said the interim government had an opportunity to address climate and environmental issues after setbacks during the previous 15-year regime.
"But they failed to do so," he said, warning that taking loans in the name of climate finance could increase the country's risks.
Shaheen Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, said poor countries like Bangladesh are facing severe losses due to climate impacts.
She said the lives and livelihoods of people in char areas, haor regions, and coastal zones are under threat, with women and children being the most affected. Women's health, education, livelihoods, and overall lives are being seriously jeopardised by climate change, she added.
Sharif Jamil, member secretary of the organising committee, conducted the opening session, while convenor Dr Mujibur Rahman Howlader chaired it. Three technical sessions were held later.
