Journalism for Sundarbans Committee meeting held in Satkhira
Ashashuni (Satkhira) Correspondent
A meeting of the Journalism for Sundarbans Committee was held on Sunday at 11 AM at the Agrogoti Sangstha Resort and Training Center in Satkhira, under the theme “Reducing Pollution in the Sundarbans and Improving the Ecosystem.”
The meeting was presided over by Taslim Ahmed Tongkar, Manager of Rupantar. Senior journalist Monirul Islam Mini was present as the chief guest. Special guests included the Convener of the Journalism for Sundarbans Committee, Mostafizur Rahman Uzzal; Member Secretary Ahsan Rajib; and Advisor GM Mujibur Rahman. The event was moderated by Golam Kibria, District Coordinator of the Eco- Sundarbans Project.
Among others present and participating in the discussion were committee members and journalists Ruhul Quddus, Golam Sarwar, M. Rafique, Asaduzzaman Madhu, Akhtaruzzaman Bacchu, Amiruzzaman Babu, Monirul Islam Moni, Samiul Azam Monir, SK Hasan, Akramul Islam, and Anath Kumar.
Speakers highlighted the Sundarbans as the lungs of Bangladesh and the world’s largest mangrove forest, emphasizing its ecological crisis and the potential role of the media in addressing these issues. Journalists noted the severe negative impact pollution has had on the Sundarbans’ biodiversity, aquatic life, and vegetation, which threatens the overall ecosystem.
The discussion brought forward several key action points for ecosystem improvement, such as enacting and enforcing strict anti-pollution laws, raising awareness among local communities, creating alternative livelihood opportunities, and promoting eco-friendly tourism. Additionally, discouraging the use of polythene and plastic was stressed.
Speakers emphasized the crucial role of the media in raising public awareness and drawing the attention of policymakers. They called for objective and consistent reporting to properly highlight the importance and crises of the Sundarbans. The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to more active and investigative journalism for the protection of the Sundarbans’ invaluable ecosystem.
It was also announced that, marking World Environment Day, 10,000 eco-friendly bags will be distributed free of cost in each upazila of Satkhira district as an alternative to polythene. Each bag is designed to last for up to one year of use.
