Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) says corruption has drained $248 million from the country’s national climate fund over the past 14 years, affecting more than half of all projects.
Between 2010 and 2024, TIB found that 54% of the 891 projects under the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust were tainted by graft, with political figures and powerful individuals allegedly siphoning off funds.
The watchdog reported that 61.6% of projects faced timeline extensions, with average durations more than doubling from 648 to 1,515 days.
Bangladesh needs about $12.5 billion each year to combat climate change but receives less than $100 million annually from both domestic and international sources.
TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman blamed political interference, weak oversight, and collusion among trustees for the widespread misuse.
He said corruption in the climate fund not only robs vulnerable communities but also undermines Bangladesh’s credibility in global climate negotiations.