M F Rahaman
Dhaka, Apr 15, 2026
A delegation from the German Bundestag Committee on the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection concluded a six-day visit to Bangladesh, highlighting climate cooperation and environmental challenges.
Led by Deputy Chairman Michael Thews, the parliamentary team included members from multiple political parties. The visit, held from April 7 to 12, combined high-level meetings with field trips across Dhaka, Savar, Khulna, the Sundarbans, and Satkhira.
In Dhaka, the delegation held consultations with Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, where both sides underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation on environmental issues.
The team visited Savar to assess the environmental impact of the country’s leather and textile industries. In Khulna, they met city officials and observed German-supported climate adaptation and livelihood projects. The delegation also toured the Sundarbans, gaining insight into biodiversity conservation efforts, and later visited climate-vulnerable communities in Satkhira.
Throughout the visit, discussions focused on Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change and its adaptive strategies. The German lawmakers praised the resilience of local communities facing environmental challenges.
Michael Thews said Bangladesh possesses a “natural treasure” in the Sundarbans that must be protected, while emphasizing the need for continued support in flood-prone areas, including storm-resistant housing and safe water supply.
German Ambassador Dr. Rüdiger Lotz described the visit as a significant step in global climate cooperation, noting Bangladesh’s role as a leader in adaptation efforts.
The delegation will present its findings and recommendations to the German parliament upon return.
Source: German Embassy
