Bangladesh’s Dialogue on the ICJ Advisory Opinion: Strengthening National Climate Responsibility

On May 12, 2025, the University of Dhaka’s Faculty of Law hosted an event highlighting Bangladesh’s evolving role in international climate justice, titled “Bangladesh's International Position and Climate Financing in Addressing Climate Change: State Responsibility and Realities.” Co-organized by the Faculty of Law and Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), this event reinforced Bangladesh’s commitment to legal advocacy on a local and global scale in light of the ongoing International Court of Justice (ICJ) proceedings on states' climate obligations.

A Collaborative and Multidisciplinary Gathering

The discussion brought together legal scholars, environmental judges, climate policy advisors, civil society members, and students. Professor Dr. Mohammad Ikramul Haque, Dean of the Faculty of Law, opened the event by emphasizing the constitutional and international obligations of Bangladesh to combat climate change. He stressed the importance of recognizing intergenerational justice in the country's legal framework and called for institutional reforms, such as appointing a Commissioner for Future Generations.

Advocate Moumita Das Gupta and Advocate Syed Tanvir Azam Taif  presented a summary of Bangladesh’s submission to the ICJ. Bangladesh made both written and oral submissions in 2024, and was one of the 18 core countries that participated in drafting questions for the ICJ. The deliberation process is ongoing, with the final advisory opinion expected to be delivered by the end of 2025. The opinion seeks to clarify states’ duties under international law to protect the climate system for present and future generations, and the legal consequences of failing to fulfill those obligations. In its submission, Bangladesh focused on its commitments to mitigate emissions and adapt to the changing climate, guided by the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). It further emphasized the responsibility of developed, fossil fuel-producing countries to ensure climate justice.

Reflections on Legal Gaps and Practical Realities

A key part of the event was the critical analysis of the country’s legal readiness to meet its international obligations. Dr. Masrur Salekhin, Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge, pointed out significant gaps: Bangladesh lacks a stand-alone climate change law, its environmental courts see very few cases, and penalties for pollution often lack long-term impact. Dr. Salekhin called for more effective environmental legislation and enforcement mechanisms.

Syed Matiul Ahsan, Climate Advisor at the Royal Danish Embassy, noted that while Bangladesh has ambitious climate plans—such as the NDC, NAP, Delta Plan, and Climate Prosperity Plan—many initiatives are donor-led rather than locally driven. He argued that climate change must be treated as a priority for different levels of government.

Md. Shamsuddoha, Executive Director of the Center for Participatory Research, critiqued the limitations of international climate agreements. While the Paris Agreement is not legally binding and the Kyoto Protocol lacks enforcement, he emphasized Bangladesh’s continued commitment to its NDCs and the need to hold developed countries accountable for a just energy transition.

Bridging International Law with Local Action

Participants agreed on the need to align international legal commitments with national policy. In her closing remarks, Sara Hossain, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court and BLAST’s honorary Executive Director, emphasized that climate responsibilities often remain disconnected from national realities. She cited public interest litigation—like the case on waterlogging in Satkhira—as an example of how climate justice still lacks concrete outcomes in Bangladesh. She called for broader public engagement and stronger mechanisms to ensure the government addresses climate-related displacement, warming, and water crises.

Conclusion: A Continued Commitment to Climate Justice

Moderated by BLAST advisor Ahmad Ibrahim, the event reaffirmed Bangladesh’s role as a leading voice for climate justice. The discussion underscored the importance of legal accountability, institutional reforms, and localized action in implementing the broader goals of the ICJ Advisory Opinion process.

As the world awaits the ICJ’s advisory opinion, this national dialogue shows how Bangladesh is not only contributing to legal advocacy for climate change globally, but also working to build legal and civic readiness locally. Events like this exemplify the country’s growing consciousness and the importance of connecting international obligations with practical national implementation.