Bangladesh needs $30 billion annually to combat disasters: Finance Adviser

Bangladesh requires an estimated 30 billion US dollars each year to effectively manage and mitigate disasters, according to Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed. However, he expressed concern over the country’s struggle to secure even a fraction of this amount from international sources such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Navigating Climate Finance: Media Reporting Training’ session held at the PKSF auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka, Salehuddin Ahmed highlighted the immense financial challenges Bangladesh faces in disaster preparedness and response.

“Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries globally, facing frequent natural as well as man-made calamities,” said Ahmed. “While the country needs $30 billion annually to tackle these challenges, negotiating even $1 to $2 billion from the IMF is proving to be difficult. We plan to negotiate for $5 billion from the IMF in the near future.”

Ahmed also commended the proactive role of local communities in disaster management. “People at the grassroots level take initiative to handle disasters, which is a positive sign. Waiting for aid from centralized agencies like the Fire Service in Dhaka is not practical,” he noted.

The adviser further urged journalists to play a more active role in raising awareness about climate change and disaster risks. “Media must help alert the public and educate them on these issues. For example, students in Japan are well-informed about disaster preparedness; we need to cultivate similar awareness here, starting with children from a young age.”

The event also featured remarks from Chief Adviser and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Economic Relations Division Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddique, and PKSF Managing Director Md. Fazlu Qader.