Environment and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo announced a major effort to tackle corruption in the climate sector. This comes after troubling reports of financial irregularities over the past 14 years.
During a session, responding to BNP lawmaker AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, the minister revealed that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating claims made by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). Their report, released on November 4, 2025, alleged that around Tk 2,110 crore was mismanaged in projects funded by the Climate Change Trust Fund from 2009 to 2024.
Mintoo shared that the Trust Fund has provided necessary documents to the ACC to aid in this investigation. To improve transparency, he outlined several initiatives. The government is introducing new software, called the Planning Division’s PPS, to allow online monitoring of projects.
A new technical sub-committee with 12 members has also been established to carefully review and select projects based on updated criteria, focusing on areas most affected by climate change. Additionally, the “Trust Fund Money Use Policy (Revised 2025)” has been launched, along with updated management guidelines for permanent deposits.
To enhance oversight, a real-time digital monitoring system is in the works. Mintoo emphasized that if any irregularities arise during project execution, the responsible ministries will take immediate legal action.
The Department of Environment (DoE) is also undergoing reforms. The process for environmental clearance is now fully online, reducing the risk of corruption. The DoE has also increased internal audits, supervision, and integrity training for staff.
According to a 2022 report by the World Bank, about $10 billion is lost annually to corruption in the climate space globally. This scrutiny is vital as climate funding becomes increasingly important for vulnerable countries facing environmental challenges.
Mintoo assured that the government is committed to good governance in environmental and climate initiatives. All allegations will be investigated thoroughly, ensuring that funds meant for climate resilience genuinely reach their intended projects.
For more details on climate financing, you can visit the World Bank’s Climate Investment Report.
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Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo,corruption in climate sector
