Assessing the Interim Government’s Climate Commitments: Have They Met Expectations?

It’s been over a year since a new interim government took charge in Bangladesh. With a Nobel laureate leading the way, many hoped for positive changes, especially regarding the environment. The goal was to achieve zero net carbon emissions and tackle pressing climate issues head-on. However, as elections near, it’s worth asking: Have they delivered on these promises?

When the government started, Bangladesh had already made strides in addressing climate challenges, thanks to plans like the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy from 2009 and the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan from 2022 to 2041. In 2023-2024, they launched a remarkable 917 projects under the Climate Change Trust Fund. Solar power is booming, with more than six million home systems installed in rural areas. In disaster preparedness, new shelters and early warning systems have significantly reduced fatalities during storms, from hundreds of thousands in 1991 to only a few dozen recently. Yet, real challenges remain, like pollution, weak regulations, and financial constraints. The World Bank’s report from 2022 stressed that having a strategy is not enough. They pointed out the need for proper resources and governance to make real progress.

Looking at the government’s actions, it’s clear that their performance falls short in four main areas:

• Energy Transition: Many hoped the government would shift away from costly fossil fuels, but they have continued using expensive rental power plants. A draft policy aiming for 20% renewable energy by 2030 lacks the necessary support and financing to succeed.
• Climate Finance: The government secured substantial international funding, including $900 million from the World Bank. However, much of this funding comes as loans, which raises concerns about long-term debt sustainability.
• Pollution Control: Despite announcing a ban on single-use plastics, plastic use continues to rise. The government has made sporadic efforts to protect forests, but enforcement remains weak.
• Disaster Resilience: While funding has been pledged for disaster preparedness, uneven delivery of resources has hindered meaningful progress.

The interim government’s record paints a picture of more promises than results. Activists expected a shift towards actionable measures, but much of what has been implemented is similar to previous administrations. Although Bangladesh shows strong leadership in climate discussions globally, domestically, there’s a stark gap between what was promised and what’s been achieved.

As the elections approach, the key question is whether the next leaders can bridge this gap. It’s urgent for them to move beyond lofty speeches and produce real, tangible outcomes for communities affected by climate change.

Muhammad Muktadirul Islam Khan is a consultant at Sustainability Action Learning Lab, Bangladesh.

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