Dhaka, Sep 26 (bdnews24.com) — Environment state minister has expressed his concern that large areas in eight districts of Bangladesh may become submerged by 2050 due to climate change.
In reply to a query from a MP Mosammat Shammi Akter (reserved women's seat) in parliament, Hasan Mahmud, said, "Several coastal areas including those of Noakhali, Lakkhipur, Barisal, Bhola, Pirojpur, Jhalakati, Satkhira and Bagerhat will be submerged."
Mahmud, on Sunday, said, "According to SAARC Meteorological Research Centre, water level of the Bay of Bengal has increased by four millimetres a year at Hiron point in the past 22 years."
"The water level of the Bay of Bengal will increase by 32cm by 2050 if the growth continues. As a result, coastal areas of eight districts would be submerged," he added.
In reply to another question of MP Talukder Mohammad Yunus, he said Bangladesh has taken up a 10-year programme to tackle global warming.
"The government has allotted Tk 7 billion initially to form a Climate Change Trust Fund," the state minister said.
"A special fund — a Bangladesh Climate Change Resilience Fund — has also been formed with foreign funds," he added.
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