Anti-graft watchdog Transparency International Bangladesh on Wednesday expressed its deep concern over Bangladesh not being a signatory to a declaration by 124 countries to stop deforestation by 2030.
The non-profit organisation in a statement called upon the government to announce specific steps to check deforestation and restore forests and sign the declaration on forests and use of land made without any delay. Countries signed the declaration on Tuesday during UN COP-26 in Glasgow of Scotland.
Expressing solidarity with the global leaders gathered at the climate conference, TIB executive director Iftekharuzzaman said it was frustrating to see Bangladesh not signing the declaration.
‘This is unbelievable that Bangladesh being one of the most vulnerable countries due to adverse impacts of climate change has refrained from signing the declaration signed by Brazil and many African countries,’ he said in the statement.
TIB expected that Bangladesh would take a time-bound work plan to check deforestation and encroachments on forests and therefore protect the nature and lives and livelihoods of the people.
Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina represents the Climate Vulnerable Forum, a group of 48 countries that suffer most due to climate change, in the climate conference in Glasgow.
