A six-year-old youth organisation is expanding environmental and climate action across coastal Bangladesh, while calling for stronger awareness, tree planting and youth engagement.
A volunteer organisation working on climate change, environmental protection, public health and youth development in Bangladesh’s coastal areas marked its sixth anniversary on Monday with a programme in Betagi in the southern district of Barguna.
The Green Peace Youth Development Society organised tree distribution, a discussion meeting, a prayer session and a cake-cutting ceremony at the hall room of Betagi Model Mosque on Monday afternoon.
The event focused on the organisation’s six-year journey, its achievements and future plans, as well as its ongoing activities for people living in coastal communities.
Those attending included Ibrahim Khalilullah, executive editor of The Climate Watch; Saidul Islam Montu, president of Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN); Mohsin Khan, former general secretary of Betagi Press Club; Asaduzzaman Asad, a national board member of Volunteer for Bangladesh; Md Khairul Islam Munna, executive director of the Green Peace Youth Development Society; and journalist Sajal Mahmud, along with people from various professions.
The organisation was represented by director Md Ariful Islam Manna, assistant director Tahid Khan, Saurav Zomaddar, Sumon Mia, Ismat Vejabin Binti, Emon and other members and volunteers.
Speakers at the discussion said the impact of climate change on the lives and livelihoods of coastal residents was increasing day by day. They said efforts to protect the environment, plant trees, raise climate awareness and engage young people needed to be strengthened to build a sustainable and climate-resilient society.
The Green Peace Youth Development Society began its activities in Betagi, Barguna, and has since expanded its work to six districts of the Barisal division, various coastal areas and the capital Dhaka, according to the organisation.
Over its six-year journey, hundreds of young people and volunteers have become involved in various social, environmental and climate-related activities.
The organisation’s leaders said they were committed to expanding their work to address climate risks faced by coastal communities, develop youth leadership and protect the environment.
The programme concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony, tree distribution and a prayer session marking the organisation’s sixth anniversary.
