Md. Ramjan Ali, Moheshkhali-Kutubdia (Cox's Bazar)

Human chain and protest rallies were held in Matarbari demanding construction of sustainable embankment and resettlement of displaced families due to climate change and development projects.

On Sunday at 3:30 pm, this program was organized on the initiative of the local people from all walks of life on Jaliapara main road near Sirardale in Matarbari.

Hundreds of affected families, fishermen, salt cultivators, social and civil society representatives from coastal areas including Jaliapara, Sitepara and Bahirpara participated holding banners.

Speakers in the gathering said that the various mega development projects under implementation in Matarbari have played an important role in the economic progress of the country, but the local residents have to bear its adverse effects. Sand filling for development projects, coastal erosion and impact of climate change in Jaliapara, Saitpara and Bahirpara areas. Hundreds of families have lost their homes and are living inhumane conditions. They claim that already about four hundred houses of Jaliapara and Sitepara have been lost in the sea.

Speakers from the human chain immediately demanded the construction of a permanent and sustainable embankment based on modern technology.

They also said that there is no alternative to building embankments based on long-term planning to protect Matarbari from tidal water, sea surges and coastal erosion.

At the same time, the speakers called for quick permanent housing and rehabilitation measures for the families who became homeless due to development projects.

Hamed Hoshain said, "Today's human chain is not a political program, it is a movement to save the people of the coast. The peaceful program will continue until our demands are met."

Ali Azgar, a local resident, said, "We are not against development. But this development has become a bane for us by endangering our livelihoods and lives. Jaliapara is almost extinct today. We want a permanent embankment and a permanent shelter for the head hogs as soon as possible."

Maulana Abdul Malek said, "Every year when the monsoons and tides come, we have to live in fear. Where once our houses were, today there is only sea water. We do not want any more assurances, we want a permanent solution."

Local Mofizur Rahman said, "Just as we have lost habitat due to sea erosion, livelihoods are also threatened. If sustainable dams are built, people will be safe and the economy of the coast will also be saved."

Badshah Mia Badu said, "Due to tides and salt water, our cultivation is suffering a lot. If there is no embankment, it will be difficult to live in this area in the future."

Sajedul Islam Tofail said, "We want the benefits of development, but if people become homeless due to that development, then the state must also take responsibility for their rehabilitation. The affected families must be quickly provided with housing."

Several victims complained in the rally that although various assurances have been given for a long time, no permanent and effective initiative has been seen so far. They warned that if effective steps are not taken to build embankments and resettle the displaced people soon, they will announce a more stringent program involving the local people. will be

The locals demanded immediate action by drawing the attention of the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Water Resources Minister, Deputy Commissioner and Member of Parliament in the human chain.