Publish: 19:57, 12 Nov, 2024

Climate change a challenge for both Bangladeshis, Rohingyas: IRC

Online Desk
Climate change a challenge for both Bangladeshis, Rohingyas: IRC

Regional Vice President (Asia) of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Adnan bin Junaid has said the IRC is committed to enhancing resilience and helping both Bangladeshis and the Rohingyas adapt to environmental shocks.

“IRC recognises that climate change is a critical challenge for both the Rohingya and host communities in Cox’s Bazar and southern Bangladesh, including Satkhira, Khulna, Barishal, and Patuakhali,” he told news agency UNB in an interview, adding that the hardship of these communities further exacerbates by climate-induced disasters like flooding, cyclones and extreme weather events.

The IRC senior leader said their strategies include disaster preparedness training for community members and local authorities, ensuring early warning systems are in place, and conducting evacuation drills.

“We also support climate-smart agriculture initiatives that improve food security and generate income for both refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar and Southern Bangladesh,” he said.

Besides, Junaid said, they collaborate closely with the government of Bangladesh, local authorities and communities to develop Local Adaptation Plans (LAPAs) that address specific climate risks in regions like Satkhira and Barishal.

These plans prioritise sustainable resource management, climate risk reduction and community participation to create long-term strategies for managing the impacts of climate change.

“Additionally, we are expanding our impact through cash transfer programmes, providing direct financial assistance to the most vulnerable populations in Cox’s Bazar and southern Bangladesh,” Junaid said.

The IRC advocates for global support for climate adaptation funding and policies to help reduce vulnerability.

“Through these efforts, we aim to strengthen resilience, ensuring that both refugees and host populations can thrive despite the compounded challenges of climate change,” Junaid said.

In line with their broader goals, the IRC Vice President said they are also advocating for increased global attention to the climate crisis in Bangladesh, calling for stronger international support for climate adaptation funding, resilience-building programs and policy changes that can help reduce the vulnerability of at-risk populations, including refugees and host communities.

“Looking ahead, we are excited to build on our initiatives in climate adaptation, climate-smart agriculture, and green skills development. By leveraging our expertise from 44 countries, we will enhance coordination among donors, organisations, government entities and local communities,” he said.

Through this collaborative approach, the IRC aims to ensure that the Rohingya and host populations in Cox’s Bazar and Southern Bangladesh are not only able to survive but also thrive in the face of the climate crisis while building long-term resilience for future generations.

Responding to a question, Junaid said as the Rohingya crisis enters its eighth year, the IRC is adapting its strategy to ensure sustainable support despite declining international funding and the prolonged displacement of Rohingya communities.

Recognising the complexity of the situation, he said, they are focusing on short-term programmes to ensure basic services and long-term resilience building for both the Rohingya and host communities.

This includes strengthening partnerships with local actors and authorities to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of services.

“By prioritising community-based approaches, we are enhancing local capacity to respond to ongoing needs while creating more sustainable solutions,” he said.

In response to the funding challenges, the IRC is also advocating for flexible, long-term funding commitments from donors to ensure that programs can continue without disruption.

“We are expanding efforts to mobilize resources from a diverse range of funding sources, including through public-private partnerships, to address the growing needs of the Rohingya and host populations,” he said.

Responding to a question, Junaid said IRC believes that the resolution of the Rohingya crisis lies in Myanmar, however, the current conditions in Myanmar, especially in Rakhine State, remain volatile and conflict-ridden, making safe repatriation highly challenging.

Given the geopolitical complexities, he said, a realistic approach to the Rohingya crisis must consider sustainable alternatives to repatriation that uphold the dignity, self-reliance, and resilience of Rohingya communities while also supporting host communities.

By empowering Rohingya communities with skills, education, and inclusion in local economies, he said, they can support a long-term vision for stability and resilience for both Rohingya and host communities.

bd-pratidin/GR

Topic

More News
Govt to appeal against HC order over battery-run rickshaw movement
Govt to appeal against HC order over battery-run rickshaw movement
Chief Advisor will announce election date at a convenient time: Deputy Press Secretary
Chief Advisor will announce election date at a convenient time: Deputy Press Secretary
‘BNP believes in multi-party democracy’
‘BNP believes in multi-party democracy’
Turkey to help Bangladesh resolve Rohingya crisis: Ambassador
Turkey to help Bangladesh resolve Rohingya crisis: Ambassador
CEC, 4 ECs visit injured students admitted in NITOR
CEC, 4 ECs visit injured students admitted in NITOR
SB apologizes for airport harassment of New Age editor Nurul Kabir
SB apologizes for airport harassment of New Age editor Nurul Kabir
Govt plans to integrate 'Three Zero' theory with SDG activities
Govt plans to integrate 'Three Zero' theory with SDG activities
Bangladesh records highest 11 dengue deaths in a single day
Bangladesh records highest 11 dengue deaths in a single day
Bangladesh joins Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty
Bangladesh joins Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty
Govt committed to enhancing hajj management: religious adviser
Govt committed to enhancing hajj management: religious adviser
Turkey Ambassador meets Mirza Fakhrul
Turkey Ambassador meets Mirza Fakhrul
Want to gift nation a free, fair and acceptable election: CEC
Want to gift nation a free, fair and acceptable election: CEC
Latest News
Govt to appeal against HC order over battery-run rickshaw movement
Govt to appeal against HC order over battery-run rickshaw movement

22 minutes ago | National

Zimbabwe stuns new-look Pakistan in rain-affected 1st ODI
Zimbabwe stuns new-look Pakistan in rain-affected 1st ODI

45 minutes ago | Sports

Chief Advisor will announce election date at a convenient time: Deputy Press Secretary
Chief Advisor will announce election date at a convenient time: Deputy Press Secretary

1 hour ago | National

‘BNP believes in multi-party democracy’
‘BNP believes in multi-party democracy’

1 hour ago | National

Schengen visa rejections rise as Ankara urges EU for visa liberalization
Schengen visa rejections rise as Ankara urges EU for visa liberalization

1 hour ago | International

Turkey to help Bangladesh resolve Rohingya crisis: Ambassador
Turkey to help Bangladesh resolve Rohingya crisis: Ambassador

1 hour ago | National

CEC, 4 ECs visit injured students admitted in NITOR
CEC, 4 ECs visit injured students admitted in NITOR

1 hour ago | National

SB apologizes for airport harassment of New Age editor Nurul Kabir
SB apologizes for airport harassment of New Age editor Nurul Kabir

1 hour ago | National

Movement of battery-run rickshaws: Govt to appeal against HC order
Movement of battery-run rickshaws: Govt to appeal against HC order

2 hours ago | City

DSEX drops 51 points as stocks plunge on large-cap weakness
DSEX drops 51 points as stocks plunge on large-cap weakness

2 hours ago | Economy

Govt plans to integrate 'Three Zero' theory with SDG activities
Govt plans to integrate 'Three Zero' theory with SDG activities

2 hours ago | National

Bangladesh receives $172.63cr remittances in 23 days of Nov
Bangladesh receives $172.63cr remittances in 23 days of Nov

2 hours ago | Economy

Far-right candidate targets breakthrough in Romania’s presidential election
Far-right candidate targets breakthrough in Romania’s presidential election

2 hours ago | International

Rishabh Pant becomes most expensive IPL cricketer as Lucknow confirm him for Rs. 27 crore
Rishabh Pant becomes most expensive IPL cricketer as Lucknow confirm him for Rs. 27 crore

3 hours ago | Sports

China is Bangladesh’s big priority in creating scope for trade cooperation: Commerce Adviser
China is Bangladesh’s big priority in creating scope for trade cooperation: Commerce Adviser

3 hours ago | Economy

Bangladesh records highest 11 dengue deaths in a single day
Bangladesh records highest 11 dengue deaths in a single day

4 hours ago | National

Bangladesh joins Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty
Bangladesh joins Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

4 hours ago | National

Hezbollah kills two Israeli soldiers, injures 10
Hezbollah kills two Israeli soldiers, injures 10

4 hours ago | International

Tk10, 000cr development cost cut in 4 months
Tk10, 000cr development cost cut in 4 months

5 hours ago | Economy

Govt committed to enhancing hajj management: religious adviser
Govt committed to enhancing hajj management: religious adviser

5 hours ago | National

France backs Ukraine’s possibility of using longer-range missiles
France backs Ukraine’s possibility of using longer-range missiles

5 hours ago | International

Excelerate Energy supplies two LNG cargoes to Petrobangla
Excelerate Energy supplies two LNG cargoes to Petrobangla

5 hours ago | Economy

Top 10 most expensive IPL cricketers in Saudi Arabia’s mega auction
Top 10 most expensive IPL cricketers in Saudi Arabia’s mega auction

5 hours ago | Sports

Abhishek opens up about ‘rumors’ of his breakup with Aishwarya
Abhishek opens up about ‘rumors’ of his breakup with Aishwarya

5 hours ago | Showbiz

Govt thinking of deploying retired traffic polices to control congestion
Govt thinking of deploying retired traffic polices to control congestion

5 hours ago | City

Students demonstrate in front of DNMCH over alleged medical negligence
Students demonstrate in front of DNMCH over alleged medical negligence

5 hours ago | City

Turkey Ambassador meets Mirza Fakhrul
Turkey Ambassador meets Mirza Fakhrul

6 hours ago | National

Want to gift nation a free, fair and acceptable election: CEC
Want to gift nation a free, fair and acceptable election: CEC

6 hours ago | National

Dismissed employees of S Alam-owned banks block roads in Chattogram
Dismissed employees of S Alam-owned banks block roads in Chattogram

6 hours ago | City

Is COVID-19 an antidote to cancer?
Is COVID-19 an antidote to cancer?

6 hours ago | Tech

Most Read
Warnings of a looming crisis during Ramadan
Warnings of a looming crisis during Ramadan

10 hours ago | Special

Who will account for the 17 lakh crores of smuggled funds?
Who will account for the 17 lakh crores of smuggled funds?

9 hours ago | Special

Revision petition seeks cancellation of bail and remand for 6 Transcom officials
Revision petition seeks cancellation of bail and remand for 6 Transcom officials

9 hours ago | National

ACC identifies corrupt institutions and individuals
ACC identifies corrupt institutions and individuals

8 hours ago | National

Want to gift nation a free, fair and acceptable election: CEC
Want to gift nation a free, fair and acceptable election: CEC

6 hours ago | National

AI-based warning system installed to monitor movement of wild elephants
AI-based warning system installed to monitor movement of wild elephants

7 hours ago | Tech

Calls grow to save Thailand's free medicine policy
Calls grow to save Thailand's free medicine policy

6 hours ago | International

Money launderers thrived under Sheikh family’s backing
Money launderers thrived under Sheikh family’s backing

8 hours ago | Economy

Purging operation in the Cabinet Division
Purging operation in the Cabinet Division

13 hours ago | Special

Bangladesh records highest premature birth among 103 nations
Bangladesh records highest premature birth among 103 nations

12 hours ago | Lifestyle

7 palli bidyut officials suspended
7 palli bidyut officials suspended

11 hours ago | National

Perpetrators must be brought to justice
Perpetrators must be brought to justice

9 hours ago | Special

Deadline for government employees to submit asset declarations extended
Deadline for government employees to submit asset declarations extended

7 hours ago | National

CEC, 4 ECs sworn in
CEC, 4 ECs sworn in

8 hours ago | National

Bigg Boss 18: Salman Khan confronts Rajat Dalal for threatening contestants on the show
Bigg Boss 18: Salman Khan confronts Rajat Dalal for threatening contestants on the show

8 hours ago | Showbiz

Leveraging Yunus's reputation to recover laundered funds
Leveraging Yunus's reputation to recover laundered funds

10 hours ago | Special

No need to call me 'sir'; I am your brother: Nahid
No need to call me 'sir'; I am your brother: Nahid

11 hours ago | National

BIDA chief encourages Chinese investors to explore opportunities in post-US election era
BIDA chief encourages Chinese investors to explore opportunities in post-US election era

7 hours ago | Economy

Israeli attacks in central Beirut kill 20
Israeli attacks in central Beirut kill 20

13 hours ago | International

Ex-chief Justice Ruhul Amin passes away
Ex-chief Justice Ruhul Amin passes away

11 hours ago | National

PSC announces key reforms in BCS recruitment process
PSC announces key reforms in BCS recruitment process

7 hours ago | National

Man killed after gunfire near Israeli embassy in Jordan: Media
Man killed after gunfire near Israeli embassy in Jordan: Media

13 hours ago | International

Seven including 5 of a family burnt in Mirpur
Seven including 5 of a family burnt in Mirpur

8 hours ago | City

Bangladesh team departed with the aim of winning Asia Cup
Bangladesh team departed with the aim of winning Asia Cup

9 hours ago | Sports

'July Anirban’ documentary sparks emotional reactions
'July Anirban’ documentary sparks emotional reactions

8 hours ago | Showbiz

Indefinite transport strike in Benapole reaches day 2
Indefinite transport strike in Benapole reaches day 2

6 hours ago | National

Rishabh Pant becomes most expensive IPL cricketer as Lucknow confirm him for Rs. 27 crore
Rishabh Pant becomes most expensive IPL cricketer as Lucknow confirm him for Rs. 27 crore

3 hours ago | Sports

Low pressure area intensifies into well-marked low over Bay
Low pressure area intensifies into well-marked low over Bay

7 hours ago | National

Dismissed employees of S Alam-owned banks block roads in Chattogram
Dismissed employees of S Alam-owned banks block roads in Chattogram

6 hours ago | City

Abhishek opens up about ‘rumors’ of his breakup with Aishwarya
Abhishek opens up about ‘rumors’ of his breakup with Aishwarya

5 hours ago | Showbiz