President Abdul Hamid emphasises concerted efforts of the global community in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Star file photo

Mentioning that climate change issue is a dangerous threat to mankind, President Abdul Hamid today emphasised concerted efforts of the global community in mitigating the impacts of climate change.

"Climate change is a global phenomenon. A single country or a region cannot address the burning issue. It, therefore, needs concerted and united efforts of the global community in mitigating its impacts," he said.

The president said this while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the South Asia judicial conference on environment and climate change jointly organised by the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and Asian Development Bank at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden Hotel in the city.

In line with the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement, world leaders have promised to protect the environment and earth from the adverse impacts of climate change, said the president adding, "Time has come to materialise the decisions and turn commitments into actions."

"Bangladesh judiciary is well aware of the importance of the conservation of the environment and accordingly playing an important and pro-active role in combating the activities detrimental to ecological balance and conservation of the environment," Hamid added.

He said the exclusive environmental courts and the utilisation of constitutional remedies through the initiation of public interest environmental litigation in the apex court are playing a very important role in protecting the country's environment. "South Asian judiciary is also playing a vital role in protecting the environment."

The president also highlighted the initiatives taken by the Bangladesh government for addressing climate change. "Bangladesh is one of the first countries that signed and ratified the Paris Agreement and also the first country to set up Climate Change Fund of US$ 400 million from its own resources."

He hoped that the suggestions and recommendations which will come from the conference will help take pragmatic steps to protect the environment.

Law Minister Anisul Huq, Appellate Division Judge of the Supreme Court Justice Abdul Wahhab Miah, Deputy Minister for Environment and Forest Abdullah Al Islam Jakob and General Counsel of ADB Christopher Stephens also addressed the session held with Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha in the chair.