Staff Correspondent

Environmental activists and civil society representatives on Tuesday called for coordinated measures to address the development challenges facing the south-western coastal region of Bangladesh, one of the areas most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

At a press conference, speakers warned that the quality of life in the region would worsen without swift action, potentially harming the broader national economy. The event, organized by the Local Environment Development and Agricultural Research Society (Ledars) and the Sundarbans and Coast Protection Movement, took place at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka.

The conference, moderated by journalist Nikhil Chandra Bhadra, featured a keynote speech from Ledars Executive Director Mohan Kumar Mondal. Other speakers included Sharif Jamil, Member Secretary of Dharitri Rakshaye Amra (Dhara); Aminur Rasul, Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Environment Andolan (Bapa); Mir Mohammad Ali, Assistant Professor at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University; Ashish Kumar Dey, General Secretary of the National Committee for the Protection of Waterways and Railways; former Dhaka Reporters Unity President Rafiqul Islam Azad; Welfare Secretary Tanveer Ahmed; Sakila Parveen, organizer of the Sundarbans and Coast Protection Movement; and Tamalika Mallik, Advocacy Officer at Ledars.

The press conference produced a series of recommendations aimed at government and relevant authorities to address the south-west coastal region's climate-related challenges. Key recommendations included establishing a Southwest Coast Development Board to spearhead sustainable development, constructing robust embankments, making homes disaster-resistant, and implementing rainwater harvesting to address freshwater scarcity. Other calls to action included removing illegal encroachments on rivers, prioritizing climate adaptation funding, and ensuring transparency in fund utilization.

Sharif Jamil emphasized that the climate-vulnerable southwestern coast is both ecologically and politically significant. He called for using both local knowledge and scientific expertise in managing coastal areas, addressing inequalities, and restoring order. "Without these efforts, the entire South and Southeast Asia region could suffer severe consequences," he cautioned.

Bapa's Joint Secretary Aminur Rasul noted that the region has long faced neglect, suffering from climate change impacts, river erosion, rising salinity, and inadequate infrastructure. He advocated for a long-term action plan, expressing optimism that authorities would respond effectively.

Professor Mir Mohammad Ali highlighted the plight of fishermen, particularly those reliant on coastal rivers now threatened by industrial activity. With declining fish stocks and disrupted livelihoods, many local fishermen have become workers on larger vessels. He urged quick government and private sector interventions to address these ongoing crises.