Climate Change Could Reshape Bangladesh: Rizwana Highlights the Urgent Need for Action Against Displacement

Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan spoke on April 7 at the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Dhaka. Her talk centered on a pressing issue: climate change and its threat to Bangladesh’s national security.

She painted a stark picture of the future. Rising sea levels could submerge large areas of Bangladesh, displacing millions and affecting the country’s integrity. A significant rise in sea level, estimated at one meter by mid-century, would impact 21 coastal districts, leading to saltwater invading rivers essential for agriculture and fishing.

Rizwana emphasized that climate change isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a national crisis. The consequences include loss of territory and communities, as well as increased conflicts over resources. Already, natural disasters like floods and cyclones cost Bangladesh about one percent of its GDP each year. Experts predict this figure could double by 2050.

She urged a shift in how we think about climate change. It’s not just about water getting salty; it’s about the very future of the nation. “Imagine if a third of Bangladesh is underwater. The remaining population would face immense pressure to survive,” she said.

The adviser criticized international efforts like the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement for their shortcomings. While countries like those in the G20 contribute to 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Bangladesh—ranked as the seventh most vulnerable country—suffers the consequences despite its minimal contribution to climate change.

In 2024, the global temperature reached record highs, highlighting the urgency of action. Even if every country met its climate targets, temperatures might still exceed the critical threshold of 1.5°C.

Bangladesh’s National Adaptation Plan identifies critical areas needing around $230 billion by 2050 for resilience initiatives. However, Rizwana stressed that funding alone isn’t enough. She called for a complete overhaul of Bangladesh’s development model, shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy, like hydropower imports from neighboring Nepal.

She also highlighted the need for structural reforms. For instance, architectural designs should favor natural ventilation over air conditioning to reduce energy consumption. Yet, enforcement of environmental laws remains weak, hindered by corruption and a lack of resources.

Rizwana noted how the armed forces already play a crucial role in responding to disasters such as river erosion and must now prepare to manage climate-induced displacement and resource-sharing treaties. She acknowledged that the military’s responsibilities might evolve significantly in the face of climate change.

In her conclusion, she declared, “This isn’t just about protecting nature—it’s about safeguarding our entire nation. If we don’t act, future generations will inherit a drastically changed country.”

Discussions like these highlight the critical intersection of climate action and national security, underscoring the need for immediate and comprehensive strategies to address climate change, especially in vulnerable regions like Bangladesh.

In this context, the International Organization for Migration reports that climate-related displacement could reach 143 million people globally by 2050, drawing attention to a looming crisis that demands urgent action and collaboration.



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