Former President of Bangladesh Federal Journalist Union (BFUJ) Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul considers receiving the Middle East-based international Prize ‘Zayed Sustainability Prize-2023’ by LEDARS as a great achievement for the country. He said that this award has given international recognition to the water crisis of the coastal areas of Bangladesh. Similarly, the importance of urgent measures to resolve the crisis has been highlighted.
He said these at the meet the press at Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Auditorium of National Press Club on 22 January, 2023 (Sunday). Under the chairmanship of Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Movement Coordinator Nikhil Chandra Bhadra, Executive Director of LEDARS Mohon Kumar Mondal delivered the keynote speech. The manager of Water Keeper Bangladesh Md Ikbal Faruk participated in the discussion. Sports and Cultural Secretary of Dhaka Journalist Union Sakila Parveen, General Secretary of Shaheed Alim Sahitya Sangsad Sanjidul Hasan were also present.
Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul said on the occasion that this prize of LEDARS is an international recognition of the crisis of the coastal region of Bangladesh that will inform our policy makers and force them to focus on solving other problems including water problems in the region. He also said that journalists also need to pay attention to the disaster-prone areas to write about climate change risks including the livelihood crises of the regions.
Mohon Kumar Mondal said that the prize was presented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, in a grand ceremony. The event was attended by representatives of various countries including heads of state and government of 11 countries of the world. Earlier in 2020, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was present as a guest at the same event. This prize will encourage non-government organizations in the country for development work. He also said that the prize money will be spent on solving the water crisis of the people of coastal areas including other problems.
In recognition of innovative and inspiring sustainable solutions, the Zayed Sustainability Prize was presented in the health, food, energy, water and global high school categories. LEDARS was nominated for this award in recognition of their work to address the water crisis in coastal areas. LEDARS has been working since 2003 to alleviate the water crisis of coastal people by deploying various types of water technologies. LEDARS previously received the World Water Showcase Award in 2015 and the Standard Chartered-Channel I Agrow Award as Disaster Warrior in 2020. Also nominated for Local Adaptation Champion Award-2022 by Center on Adaptation (GCA).
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