Bablu Joardar from Satkhira Shyamnagar
The Environmental development club, CDO, Sundarban Students Solidarity Team and research institute BARCIK recently organized song, rally, human chain and discussion in Neeldumur Alauddin Market of Burigoalini Union of Shyamnagar Upazila, ahead of the climate conference. The world’s largest climate conference which is known as Conference of the Parties (COP27) is being organized in Egypt. People of all levels including the people in the coast are interested in this year’s climate conference.
The event was escorted by Upazila Vice Chairman Lecturer Saiduzzaman Saed, Shyamnagar Upazila Press Club President GM Akbar Kabir, Students Solidarity Team Coordinator Raisul Islam, Climate Council Member Teacher Journalist Ranjit Burman, Forestry Officer Azgar Ali, Development Worker Piyush Baulia Pintu, Coastal Press Club President Abdul Halim, BARCIK’s Associate Regional Coordinator Ramakrishna Jowardar.
In the discussion, the speakers said, “If the coast survives, the country will survive.” Overall development is not possible if the coast excluded from those development.” “Bangladesh including the coast is not responsible for climate change though Bangladesh and its population in the coast suffer the most due to climate induced disasters. Actually it is the rich countries which are responsible for the rapid change of climate”-they added. They went on saying, “It is unfortunate and ironic that developing countries like Bangladesh have to take responsibility for the climate change. If carbon emissions are not reduced, we will be in dire straits. If it continues in this way, it will be seen that we will not be able to survive for a while.”
The speaker also said, ‘Due to climate change, the risk in coastal areas is increasing day by day. It is becoming very difficult for people to live in coastal areas. Constantly struggling with nature to survive. The people of this area are being deprived of their juts rights as well. We want to be convinced and assured that the rich countries participating in the climate talks will not ‘play’ with us anymore. They must pay compensation for what they have contributed in climate change through their luxurious life and livelihoods. They must take substantial initiatives to reduce carbon emissions through their lifestyle and livelihoods. We want the safety of all our lives. Along with the creation and conservation of coastal fresh water reservoirs.”
Speakers also said, ‘We want to tell the rich countries participating in the COP27 that don’t emit too much carbon which causes us our lives and livelihoods, come out of your luxurious life and let us live.” They went on saying, “At the same time, in order to highlight the rights and justice of the people of the coast declaration should be announced to observe the coastal day nationally and where the wounds and woes of the coastal people occurred due to climate change will be focused and highlighted.”
Earlier, on the occasion of Coastal Day, a huge rally went around Neeldumur Bazar and formed a human chain on the bank of the river near the Forest Department office. At the end of the discussion meeting, Zari (Traditional folk song) song was held to create awareness about the coast.
However, while observing the coastal day the participants made some demands which are seen below:
- November 12 should be nationally declared Coastal Day.
- Climate compensation from the rich countries responsible for climate change should be ensured
- To prevent river erosion, the depth of the river should be increased through re-excavation
- Coastal board should be constituted for coastal development.