Bangladesh is set to receive a $2 million grant from Japan, facilitated by the Asian Development Bank, to address the significant challenges presented by climate change in the coming years. The ADB has approved a technical assistance grant from the Japan Special Fund to enhance the capabilities of government agencies responsible for carrying out the 10-year Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. This plan focuses on issues such as food security, disaster readiness, and other critical matters related to climate change. According to Zahir Ahmad, the Project Implementation Officer for ADB in Bangladesh, it is crucial for Bangladesh to prepare for climate change and protect the well-being of its citizens. The assistance from ADB will enable the government to implement the Strategy and Action Plan, which aims to guide the country towards low-carbon growth, enhance its climate resilience, and bolster its food and energy security. A statement by ADB noted that the country has experienced elevated temperatures, intense monsoon rains, and a rise in tropical cyclones and storms due to climate change. It predicts that average sea levels could increase by 30 centimeters by 2050, putting 14% of the country at high risk of flooding. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Environment and Forests and other government agencies will receive support to enhance their capacity, and specific climate change mitigation and adaptation programs will be developed. A sub-programme will also be established to encourage private sector investment in clean energy projects eligible for carbon credits under the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism. The total cost of technical assistance is estimated at $2.5 million, with the government contributing $500,000 in-kind. The project will last for a period of two years, commencing in August 2009, and will be carried out by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The Japan Special Fund, funded by the government of Japan, is managed by ADB.