Legislators and citizens’ representatives have called for urgent action at a special convention, saying the lack of sustainable embankments poses a serious risk to coastal livelihoods. At present, various development projects of the government have reached the coast but it is floating in the tidal water. Therefore, steps have to be taken on an urgent basis in this regard. For this special allocation has to be added in the national budget.
On 27 June, 2021 the convention was organized by the non-governmental organization LEDARS and Faith in Action and Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Movement at Krishibid Institution auditorium in the capital. The program was presided over by Md. Akhtaruzzaman Babu, honorable MP, Khulna-6 and moderated by Nikhil Chandra Bhadra, coordinator of Sundarbans and Coast Protection Movement. Mir Mostaq Ahmed Robi, honorable MP, Satkhira-2, Advocate Mustafa Lutfullah, honorable MP Satkhira-1 Abdus Salam Murshedi, honorable MP, Khulna-4, Md. Amirul Alam Milon, honorable MP, bagerhat-4, SM Shahzada, honorable MP, Patuakhali-3, Syeda Rubina Akter, honorable MP, reserve seat for woman, and Advocate Gloria Jharna Sarkar, honorable MP, reserve seat for woman took part in the discussion at the convention. Besides, former minister Narayan Chandra Chanda MP and Dr. AFM Ruhul Haque MP virtually joined in the convention.
Mr. Mohon Kumar Mondal, Executive Director, LEDARS, presented the keynote at the convention. Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan, President of Bangladesh Climate Change Journalists Forum, Representative of International Organization KNH Germany, News Editor of Ekattar Television, , Executive Director of Faith in Action , ED, Coast Foundation, Sakila Parveen, Parliament News Editor, Chairman of SCAS participated in the occasion. The convention adopted seven demands of the coastal people. The proposal says that even though the government’s development touch has reached coastal areas like the rest of the country, it is at risk today due to the lack of sustainable embankments. Therefore, special allocation should be made in the national budget for the construction of sustainable embankments. Special funds will have to be set up for the maintenance of the Embankment. The proposal further said that effective steps should be taken to find a lasting solution to the drinking water crisis on the coast affected by the aggression of salinity. The government must take effective steps to implement the Delta Plan. Above all, to ensure sustainable development of the coast, a Coastal Development Board like the Haor Development Board should be formed immediately.
