Shahinur Rahman from Manikganj
With the objective promote agroecological practices, ensure food sovereignty and climate justice BARCIK organized a sharing meeting recently in Manikgonj where farmers, teachers, journalists, freedom fighters, cultural activitists, development workers, youth representatives and civil society representatives participated. BARCIK in the pledged the participants to extend helping hands to protect life, nature and culture through being members of Green coalition.
The meeting was organized in Singair Upazila Press Club Auditorium of Mainkgonj. President of Manikganj district Agriculture Development Committee Karam Ali Master presided over the meeting where BARCIK’s Regional Coordinator Bimal Roy and BARCIK’s official Shimul Kumar Biswas presented concept paper.
Addressing the meeting brave freedom fighter Alok Saha said, ‘Development activities should be implemented considering the nature and environment. But today some of the development initiatives are responsible in destroying the nature and environment. Century-old trees which bears the testimony of history and culture are being destroyed across the country. We do not want environment destructive development. We want a green Bangladesh through conservation of nature and environment.
Jagadish Chandra Malo, a former professor of Singair Degree College and freedom fighter, said, ‘Green minded people are needed to keep the world green. I think green minded people have come in this today’s meeting to protect nature. Nature is our best friend. We have to live in harmony with nature. We all have to take initiative from our own position to protect nature. I thank BARCIK for the initiative to create green coalition with the objective to protect life, nature and culture.’
Head teacher of Kaliakair Khan High School Muhammad Jubair Hossain Khan, said, ‘I am connected with many BARCIK for a long time. The initiatives taken by this organization are playing role in the protection of nature and environment.’ He went on saying, Climate change is having an adverse effect on all life and nature. Due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and use of fossil fuels, soil, water and air are being polluted. I want to start Green Coalition work from my school. I will make my school a green campus.’
Cultural artist Ujjal Hossain said, “I am associated with annual work and make people aware of the rights of elders, child marriage, women abuse in the village. Through this green solidarity, I will highlight the harmful aspects of river pollution, banning plastic, use of pesticides in songs. Farmer Mujibur Rahman, who teaches agronomy, said, “I want to keep my village green. All living things need safe food. I do not use any kind of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in my land to keep the soil, water and air healthy. Through green solidarity, we will highlight the harmful aspects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and increase the practice of agro-environmental science.’
Farmers’ leader Karam Ali Master said, “Farmers are the life of Bangladesh. But they have lost control over agriculture. The brickyard is increasing day by day. A lot of black smoke is produced due to brick kiln. Agricultural crops are destroyed by black smoke and it contributes to destroy the nature and environment.’ He further said, top soil of farmers are used for brick kiln which is not good sign for agriculture.’ He said, on the other hand, due to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides microorganisms under the soil and beneficial insects die. This should be stopped. Thus, I think Green coalition should be strengthened and fueled for the survival of all beings.’
Singair Upazila Green coalition Committee has been formed in the meeting with 23 members.
Translated by Silvanus Lamin
