
They also demanded, which is also echoed by Environment and Forests Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, that the definition of ‘UN Refugee’ should be redefined in view of present increasing nature of climate-forced migrants worldwide, especially in Bangladesh.
The demands were raised at a seminar titled ‘Climate Induced Migrants: Responsibilities in National and International Level’ held at the National Press Club.
In his address, the minister, who has been leading Bangladesh delegation to international climate negotiations for last five years, admitted that, in fact, there was setback on climate migrants issue after 2010, which was first officially accepted in the Cancun climate agreement. But it has lost the momentum while countries reframe the timeline in the Durban agreement, i.e., new agreement should reach by 2015 and implementation after 2020.
He said Bangladesh Climate Change Strategic Action Plan would be revised and money allocation will be there for research on climate migrant’s issue.
The minister mentioned that the developed countries have to take responsibilities of the climate-induced migrants and the definition of the UN refugee has to be revisited to accommodate them.
Moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBD, the seminar was addressed, among others, by Badrul Alam of Krishok Federation, Motahar Hossain of BCCJF, Mizanur Rahman of NCCB and Progoti Chakma of BIPNetCCBD.