Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; has announced that the World Bank will provide USD 300 million to support the Bangladesh Clean Air Project (BCAP).
This initiative aims to strengthen air quality management and reduce emissions from key sectors. The project will be funded by an IDA credit, along with a potential grant for clean cooking initiatives as part of the National Air Quality Management Plan.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan shared this news following a high-level meeting held with Martin Raiser, vice President of the World Bank South Asia Region, and Abdoulaye Seck, World Bank’s Country Director for Bangladesh. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change,
During the meeting, Syeda Rizwana Hasan also called for the World Bank's assistance in waste management and the restoration of Dhaka's canals to create a "blue
etwork." She further mentioned the possibility of support for a Loss and Damage Fund, as well as aid in implementing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
Martin Raiser commended Bangladesh’s efforts to implement progressive environmental policies and affirmed the Bank's support in aligning these efforts with global best practices.
Abdoulaye Seck emphasised the importance of international collaboration and strategic investments to achieve long-term sustainability goals.
The discussions concluded with both sides committing to deeper cooperation on environmental governance, climate resilience, and water resource management, with a mutual goal of working towards a sustainable future for Bangladesh.
