Bangladesh ministers warned climate change, river pollution and erosion threaten livelihoods, while the government pledged reforms, rehabilitation support and environmental measures to protect communities, fisheries and urban waterways under its election manifesto.
Bangladesh’s Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie on Tuesday warned that climate change poses a serious threat to the country, saying coastal communities are struggling to survive by constantly confronting cyclones and natural disasters.
He made the remarks at a seminar titled “People’s Mandate: Citizen Dialogue on Manifesto to Action on Challenges and Implementation of the Government’s Election Manifesto” held at the Senate Building of Dhaka University in the capital.
The minister said rivers, canals and wetlands have suffered from increasing encroachment and pollution due to the absence of dredging activities over many years. He alleged that political activists or individuals using political influence are often linked to such illegal occupation and pollution.
“To stop encroachment and pollution, the government is carrying out canal excavation projects,” he said.
Annie also said river erosion is forcing many people to lose their land and homes, leaving them displaced. He added that the government is working to ensure livelihoods and rehabilitation support for those affected.
Addressing young people, he urged the new generation and students to take a greater role in politics.
Speaking at the same event, State Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Mir Shahe Alam said the government has already begun implementing its election manifesto.
He said the government has started distributing family cards as part of efforts to make women financially self-reliant.
The state minister also said authorities are moving to make septic tanks mandatory for homeowners in a bid to curb pollution in Dhaka’s canals, wetlands and rivers.
He added that it is time to rethink urban governance through reforms in the local government system to ensure better civic services in cities. He expressed hope that the government would implement its election manifesto within the next four years.
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said pollution from industrial establishments is worsening river contamination, affecting fish production across the country.
He warned that hilsa production is also being impacted and said the government is working to implement plans outlined in the election manifesto to boost fisheries production.
