Bangladesh is set to receive a $2 million grant from Japan, through the Asian Development Bank, to address the challenges of climate change in the coming years. The grant, approved by ADB, aims to enhance the capacity of government agencies in implementing a 10-year Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan in Bangladesh. This plan focuses on food security, disaster preparedness, and other important issues related to climate change. According to Zahir Ahmad, Project Implementation Officer for ADB in Bangladesh, it is crucial for Bangladesh to prepare for climate change and protect the well-being of its people. The ADB assistance will help the government implement the Strategy and Action Plan, leading the country towards a low carbon growth path, increasing climate resilience, and strengthening food and energy security. According to a statement by ADB, the country has experienced higher temperatures, heavier monsoon rains, and more tropical cyclones and storms due to climate change in recent years. It is projected that average sea levels could rise by 30 centimeters by 2050, making 14% of the country highly susceptible to flooding. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Environment and Forests and other government agencies will receive support to enhance their capacity. Specific climate change mitigation and adaptation programs will be developed, and a sub-programme will be established to attract 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 program will last for a duration of two years, commencing in August 2009, and will be carried out by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The Japan Special Fund, which is funded by the government of Japan, will be managed by ADB.