Climate crisis ‘biggest security threat’ to Bangladesh, says Advisor Rizwana

She says rising global temperatures and sea levels could submerge one-third of the country

Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan has underscored the climate crisis as Bangladesh’s “most serious security threat”.

She has warned that rising global temperatures and sea levels could inundate one-third of the landmass, posing grave risks to national stability.

A government statement said the UK has offered satellite-based data and training support to Bangladesh.

Rizwana also called for stronger data analysis capabilities and more accessible communication of climate information to the public.

“National security no longer relies solely on weapons; it depends heavily on public views. The nation must unite,” she said.

The advisor was speaking at a seminar held at the National Defence College in Dhaka’s Mirpur on Wednesday.

She said: “Misleading information acts as a psychological weapon -- tackling it requires truth, trust and fact-based awareness.”

“If information is kept hidden, if truth is suppressed, we risk losing both sustainable development and national security.

“Through this dialogue, we hope to move one step closer to building an informed, secure, and inclusive Bangladesh,” she added.