LEDARS organized a press conference in National Press Club demandingcoordinated action to save the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh.
LEDARS organized a press conference on 29 October 2024, at the National Press Clubdemanding coordinated action for the neglected southwestern coastal region ofBangladesh—a climate hotspot facing severe challenges. Bangladesh is one of theclimate vulnerable countries of the world. And the southwest coastal region is theclimate hotspot of the country. Farmers cannot cultivate due to salinity increase, sealevel rise, frequent tidal surge. Drinking water is severe scare in this area. Livelihoods ischallenging here for the fragile ecosystems. Health hazard is increasing in the coastalarea so fast. People are facing huge loss and damage for frequent disasters. People ofcoastal area migrating for better livelihood what has reflected in the national populationcensus.Even 53 years after independence, the people of the southwestern coast remaindeprived in every sector. Despite this region’s significant contribution to the nationaleconomy, it has been met with extreme neglect. Although frequently impacted byclimate disasters, the region has received very limited allocations from climate funds.Adequate measures to find permanent solutions for the problems in this area have yet to be implemented. The coastal population continues to live in the same distressedconditions year after year. Effective plans and initiatives are needed to address thecoastal crisis and secure the people’s rights to livelihood, security, and development.For over a decade, affected coastal communities and representatives from civil societyhave repeatedly appealed to the government. Yet, despite a third of the nation’spopulation living in severe crisis, there has been little intervention. Currently,representatives from affected communities, environmental activists, and civil societyleaders have submitted a 14-point demand to the interim government of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement for comprehensive protection of the coast. Followingare the key demands:
LEDARS Workshop on Coastal Crisis and Solutions for CoastalCommunities
On Friday, October 25, 2024, LEDARS launched a two-day workshop in Khulna at theCSS Ava Center, focusing on the coastal crisis and sustainable solutions for protectingcommunities in Bangladesh’s coastal areas. The workshop brought togetherdistinguished academics, researchers, NGO activists, journalists, and young leadersfrom Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, and Jashore to drive forward effective solutions.The event was inaugurated by Mr. Abu Sayeed Md. Manjur Alam, Additional DivisionalCommissioner of Khulna Division, and presided over by Gouranga Nandi, Chairman ofthe Climate Advocacy Forum, Khulna. Speakers and panelists discussed theimportance of adopting effective measures for coastal resilience, with emphasis on riverconservation and strategic planning suited to each river’s unique ecosystem. Mr. ManjurAlam highlighted that without comprehensive river and coastal protection, not onlycoastal but also divisional areas could suffer significantly. ��This gathering stressed the necessity of national and international collaboration to upliftcoastal life quality. By the end of the workshop, an actionable proposal and strategy willbe presented—marking a vital step toward long-term, sustainable solutions for thecoastal region.
Celebrating International Rural Women’s Day 2024
LEDARS, under the CREA project supported by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF)and The Embassy of Sweden, proudly celebrated this special day at ArpangashiaPriyanath Secondary School, Burigoalini Union, Shyamnagar on 15 October 2024. Withthe powerful theme “Build a dignified life for rural women, fight the effects of climatechange,” the event highlighted the critical role of rural women in tackling climatechallenges.The day was marked with a vibrant agricultural fair, a colorful rally, and an engagingdiscussion. Women from Gabura and Burigoalini Union came together to share theirexperiences and voice their resilience. The event was inaugurated by Burigoalini UnionParishad Chairman, Md. Nazrul Islam, with the presence of esteemed guests, includingthe Head Teacher Mr. Soumitra Joaddar, Women’s Affairs Officer Ms. Sumaiya Jannat,local elites, and community members.Together, we continue to uplift rural women and strengthen their role in creating asustainable, climate-resilient future.
Fight for a Fossil-Free Future: Global Day of Climate Action 2024Celebrated
Under the theme “Fight for a Fossil-Free Future,” a vibrant rally and human chain wereorganized by LEDARS at the Neel Dumur tourist spot along the banks of the KholpetuaRiver in Satkhira, to mark the Global Day of Climate Action 2024.This event was part of the community-based climate resilience and women’sempowerment program, supported by financial assistance from Manusher JonnoFoundation and the Embassy of Sweden. Adolescents and youth groups from Gaburaand Burigoalini unions participated in the program. The rally started in front of 71 Neel Dumur Forest Government Primary School andconcluded at the Neel Dumur Forest Ghat. Participants held placards with sloganshighlighting the harmful impacts of climate change and the use of fossil fuels, forming ahuman chain to raise awareness. During the event, the adolescents and youth voiced their demands on behalf ofBangladesh in celebration of the Global Day of Climate Action. Notable demandsincluded reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the adoption of renewableenergy, strengthening women’s participation in energy policies, and ensuring fair accessto climate funds for affected countries. Representing the participants, Sadia Ashfia Shefa (Gabura) and Md. Israfil Hossain(Burigoalini) shared written statements about the negative global and coastal impacts ofclimate change, necessary actions, and the roles of the youth. They read out theirstatements during the human chain. After the human chain, participants reiterated their demands while standing on a boat inthe middle of the Kholpetua River at Neel Dumur Ferry Ghat. The organizers expressed hope that through such initiatives, the awareness anddetermination of the country’s youth to fight for a fossil-free future will continue to grow.Their active participation in promoting renewable energy and adopting environmentallyfriendly policies will have a positive impact on the country as it tackles the climate crisis.
LEDARS Organized Coordination Meeting of Climate Change AdvocacyForum Meeting
Excited to share that we successfully organized district-level Climate Advocacy Forumsin the coastal regions of Bangladesh to strengthen the climate justice campaign!In collaboration with local communities, we held half-yearly coordination meetings inthree districts: �� Satkhira (Sept 19) �� Bagerhat (Sept 22) �� Khulna (Sept 23)These forums focused on shaping strategies for climate justice advocacy under the newinterim government structure, addressing issues like: Climate-induced loss & damageAdaptation to salinity, flooding, and erosion Climate finance Meaningful youthengagementCivil society members offered valuable solution plans, while local communities andpublic-private organizations agreed on new sustainable agriculture and environmentalprotection initiatives. Together, we’re determined to build long-term, sustainabledevelopment plans for a resilient future.
LEDARS started STAR Project in Batiaghata Upazila of Khulna District.
On Thursday, September 5th, 2024, at 11 AM, LEDARS successfully hosted a ProjectInception Meeting for the Strengthening Transformative Action for Resilience (STAR)project in collaboration with LiFE-NGO from France. The event took place at the auditorium of Batiaghata Upazila Parishad, Khulna, with Md.Sharif Asif Rahman, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), as the honorable chief guest.Special thanks to Ms. Runa Akhtar (Sumi), Deputy Assistant Engineer from theDepartment of Public Health Engineering, Batiaghata, who presided over the event, andMd. Shafiqul Islam, Agricultural Extension Officer, for their valuable participation.Besides this, Representative from Women Affairs, Deapartment of Education, Chairmanand Members of Surkhali Union Parishad, Journalist, community people attended theevent.In his thoughtful speech, the UNO shared that the upcoming projects focused on solvingthe drinking water crisis will play a pivotal role in improving the resilience of coastalcommunities.
LEDARS Distributes Dignity Kits to 3,000 Cyclone Remal-Affected Familiesin Paikgacha, Khulna
In response to the devastating effects of Cyclone Remal, which hit the southwesterncoastal area of Bangladesh in May 2024, LEDARS has been actively working to supportvulnerable communities in Paikgacha, Khulna. The cyclone caused severe damage,leading to a water crisis, loss of hygiene facilities, and widespread devastation in WASHinfrastructure.Through the “Emergency WASH Response to Cyclone Remal Affected People” project,supported by LiFE ONG, France, LEDARS has distributed 3,000 dignity kits to the mostvulnerable, women-headed families across Soladana, Deluti, and Laskar unions.Distribution Highlights: �� 1,017 kits in Laskar Union (21 August) �� 1,000 kits inDeluti Union (22 August) �� 983 kits in Soladana Union (28 August). Each dignity kitincludes essential hygiene items like Savlon soap, sanitary napkins, soft towels,bleaching powder, and a bucket with a lid to ensure safety and hygiene during thischallenging time.On August 22, 2024, in Deluti Union, Paikgacha, 1,000 adolescent girls, young women,and vulnerable families affected by Cyclone Remal received dignity kits as part of the“Emergency Response to Cyclone Remal Affected People in Paikgacha, funded by LiFEONG, France.Mr. Ripon Kumar Mondal, Chairman of Deluti Union Parishad inaugurated thedistribution ceremony of Delitu union. He expresses sincere thanks to the LEDARS andLiFE to help the people. He mentioned that the dignity kits will help protect the health ofcoastal women and girls by promoting hygiene during menstruation, reducing the risk ofhealth issues in these vulnerable areas.In addition to the kits, LEDARS is providing a month’s supply of drinking water to saline-affected communities and installing 250 disaster-resilient toilets to improve sanitation inthe region.Together, we stand strong with the coastal communities, helping them rebuild their liveswith dignity and resilience.
LEDARS Provides Rainwater Harvesting Systems to 50 Families in Gaburaand Burigoalini
On July 30, 2024, LEDARS distributed rainwater harvesting systems to 50 families inthe remote coastal areas of Gabura and Burigoalini unions. For years, women in thesemarginalized communities have faced daily challenges in accessing safe drinking water,often walking miles for just a single pitcher. The intrusion of saltwater, drought, andfrequent natural disasters have only intensified these hardships.As part of the CREA project, funded by Manusher Jonno Foundation and the Embassyof Sweden, LEDARS provided essential rainwater harvesting equipment such as watertanks, filters, pipes, and other necessary materials. Additionally, a local vendor wasengaged to install the systems for the selected families.This initiative offers hope and relief to these families, enabling them to collect and storepure rainwater. With this new access to clean water, they are now protected fromwaterborne diseases and spared from the exhausting daily journeys for such a basicneed. This marks the beginning of a healthier, more secure future for thesecommunities.
LEDARS started Blue Carbon Project in Sundarbans
On July 9th, 2024, LEDARS organized the Inception Meeting of the Securing BlueCarbon project at the Shyamnagar Upazila Parishad conference room in associationwith the University of Liberal Arts. This project aims to reduce carbon emissions andcreate alternative employment for people dependent on the Sundarbans.The meeting was presided over by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mr. Najibul Alam, with Md.Sayeduzzaman Sayed, Chairman of Shyamnagar Upazila Parishad, attending as thechief guest. Mr. Alam highlighted the challenges and research-based approach of theSecuring Blue Carbon project, emphasizing its role in mitigating climate change issues.Chief Guest Md. Sayeduzzaman Sayed stressed the importance of research in theemerging field of blue carbon and praised the initiative.Special thanks to Upazila Women Vice Chairman Mr. Khaleda Ayub Dolly, UpazilaSocial Service Officer Mr. Md. Ariful Jamal, Upazila Agriculture Officer Mr. NazmulHuda, Upazila Marine Fisheries Officer Mr. Md. Tariqul Islam, Panel Chairman ofBurigoalini Union Mr. Md. Rauf, and Member of Munshiganj Union who were present asspecial guests.Also, a big thank you to Mr. Haridas Halder, Teacher and Journalist Mr. Ranjit KumarBurman, Teacher Mr. Manvendra Debnath, distinguished media personnel, NGOrepresentatives, civil society representatives, and LEDARS officials for theirparticipation.
LEDARS distributed Rice Seed and Organic Fertilizer for Resilient Agriculture
On July 7th, 2024, LEDARS distributed a whopping 12,100 kg of salt and drought-tolerant paddy seeds, 20,110 kg of organic fertilizer, and vegetable seeds to 2,010farmers at our head office! This initiative aims to boost adaptive agriculture in coastal areas. The event was gracedby the Honorable Member of Parliament for Satkhira-4, Mr. S. M. Ataul Haque Dolon,who praised LEDARS for its significant contributions to agriculture, water, and climatecrisis management. Special thanks to Upazila Chairman Mr. Sayeduzzaman Sayed, Agriculture Officer Mr.Nazmul Huda, Vice Chairman Mr. Nazmul Huda Ripon, Women Vice Chairman Ms.Khaleda Ayub Dolly, Awamileague leaders Mr. Moshraf Hossain and Mr. SheikhNuruzzaman Tutul, and many more for their presence and support. The event waspresided over renowned teacher and journalist Mr. Ranajit Kumar Barman.Each farmer received 10 kg of drought and salt-tolerant paddy, 10 kg of organicfertilizer, and vegetable seeds. This season, we distributed BRRI Rice 52, 73, 78, 87,and BR-23 varieties to encourage disaster-resilient agricultural production.Together, we’re making strides towards a sustainable and resilient agricultural future!
