$30 Billion Needed for Disaster Management, IMF Support Limited: Finance Advisor

Salehuddin Ahmed, the Finance Advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government, has highlighted the massive financial requirement for disaster management in a country as disaster-prone as Bangladesh. He stated that USD 30 billion is needed annually to effectively tackle disasters, but even securing one to two billion dollars from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is extremely challenging, remarking that “it feels like all energy is drained just to obtain it.”

He made these remarks during the inauguration of the session “Navigating Climate Finance: Media Reporting Training” on Monday, 8 September, held at the PKSF Auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Financial Requirements and IMF Support

• Bangladesh faces frequent natural disasters, as well as man-made disasters.
• Annual funding needed for disaster management: USD 30 billion.
• IMF negotiations: Currently, Bangladesh seeks USD 1–2 billion, with plans to request USD 5 billion in the future.

Salehuddin Ahmed emphasised that the Bangladeshi people actively contribute to disaster management, relying on their own efforts, noting, “If someone waits for Dhaka Fire Service, it will not suffice.”

The Finance Advisor also urged journalists and media professionals to work on climate change reporting and public awareness. Drawing on Japan as an example, he said:

• Japanese students are highly aware of disaster preparedness.
• Bangladesh must also cultivate awareness among children from an early age.

He stressed the importance of educating the population, particularly the younger generation, about disaster risks and preparedness measures.

Participants and Organisers

The training session included remarks from several senior officials:

The session was organised to enhance media coverage on climate finance and disaster management, aiming to improve public understanding and response.

This report is sourced from JagoNews.