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In a surprising turn of events, funds intended for climate change initiatives were used to build a park in Khulna, Bangladesh. This park, named after Sheikh Hasina’s late brother, Sheikh Russel, had a total budget of Tk 29 crore, with Tk 8.67 crore sourced from climate funds. Following a government change, the park was renamed Khulna Riverview Park.

Many environmental groups see such projects as a misuse of critical resources, especially in areas already suffering from clean water shortages and rising salinity levels. These challenges directly impact the community’s health and agricultural sustainability.

A local resident, Abu Sayem, questioned the logic behind building a park when basic needs like drinking water remain unmet. He expressed frustration, saying, “While we suffer from water scarcity, the government builds a park. How will this help us?”

Bangladesh’s coastal belt faces severe climate challenges. About 35 to 40 million people live in these vulnerable areas, making them susceptible to cyclones and salinity. Mahfuzur, from the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association, emphasized that the climate fund should prioritize the needs of those affected rather than frivolous projects. He noted that the lack of community consultation led to misguided spending.

Alongside the park, Tk 60.32 crore from the climate fund was allocated to various other projects. However, allegations of misuse have surfaced, particularly around the distribution of water tanks meant for affected families. Reports indicated that local officials demanded bribes of Tk 5,000 to Tk 5,500 for each tank, leaving many families in need without any assistance.

According to a recent survey by Transparency International Bangladesh, around 35% of funding for adaptation projects has been misappropriated, leading to incomplete infrastructure in coastal regions. In some areas, more than half of the funds intended for projects like cyclone shelters and embankments were either stolen or misused, leaving communities exposed to natural disasters.

Political influence has also played a significant role in how projects are approved and funded. Research from the Center for Participatory Research and Development found that many initiatives favored politically connected areas over genuinely vulnerable ones. In fact, vulnerable populations were excluded from about 45% of projects, highlighting a troubling trend of inequity. Experts stress the need for reform. They advocate for including independent voices in decision-making processes to ensure transparency and accountability.

Moving forward, it’s clear there needs to be a shift in how climate funds are utilized. Sustainable solutions, like rainwater harvesting systems, are being installed in various upazilas in Khulna to help with the water crisis. This initiative aims to benefit residents more directly than previous projects. However, the slow pace of completion and reports of misappropriation raise concerns about future strategies.

Real change requires not just resilient infrastructure but also genuine investment in community needs. As Bangladesh battles both environmental and governance challenges, the focus must shift from politically motivated initiatives to solutions that truly support those facing climate impacts. This situation serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of transparency and community involvement in tackling climate change.

Learn more about climate funding and its impact at the [World Bank](https://www.worldbank.org) and [Transparency International](https://www.transparency.org).

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