Around 4cr people might be displaced due to climate change: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today in parliament said there is a possibility that around four crore people of 70 upazilas in 19 districts might be displaced due to climate change. The premier, however, did not mention how many years it may take.

In reply to a query of Awami League MP Shahiduzzaman Sarker, the premier also informed the House that average temperature of Bangladesh has increased by one degree in May and 0.5 degree in November in the recent times due to climate change.

In a written answer, Hasina, also Leader of the House, said salty water of the sea is now entering up to 100 kilometres into the river during summer as a result of climate change.

“Average rainfall has increased. Specially excessive rainfall in a short time caused waterlogging in town areas. Cyclone trend in the Bay of Bengal has also increased. Unrest sea has caused adverse impact on fishermen’s livelihood,” Hasina said.

The premier also said balance in the environment has also damaged due to climate change. That’s why we don’t see variation among different seasons likewise in the past.

"As a result, it has put an impact on our bio-diversity as well as we see a negative impact on agriculture and livelihood of farmers. This has caused a threat to our farm production and food safety," added the Prime Minister.

Sheikh Hasina also said different diseases carried out by insects have also outbreak due to climate change.

In her reply, Hasina outlined her government’s various measures including the formulation of Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan to increase national capacity to fight back the impact of climate change.

PM also said her government has taken a programme to plant one crore tree in 2020 across the country to mark Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birth centenary which will play a significant role in curbing global Green House Gas emission.

In reply to a query from AL MP Anwar Hossin Khan, PM said there are total 40 transponders in Bangabandhu Satellite and it is hoped that $1 million to $1.25 million might be earned per year from each transponder as per the present market value.