Local campaigners say a ban on China Duari nets and a shift to pesticide-free farming are needed to protect native fish, aquatic biodiversity and public health.
A nine-member convening committee of the Green Coalition has been formed in Daulatpur upazila of Manikganj district to promote eco-friendly agriculture and curb the use of harmful China Duari fishing nets.
The committee was announced yesterday at an exchange meeting held at the Daulatpur Upazila Press Club auditorium.
Md. Mijanur Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Rural Development Board, was selected as the convenor, while Md. Shah Alam, president of the Daulatpur Press Club, was named member secretary.
The session, which continued from morning to afternoon, focused on developing pesticide-free agricultural systems and addressing the severe environmental damage caused by China Duari nets.
After the discussions, the coalition leadership submitted a memorandum to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, the chief government administrator at the sub-district level, demanding decisive action to ban the production, marketing and use of China Duari nets.
The event was moderated by BARCIK Regional Coordinator Bimal Chandra Ray.
Speakers included Manikganj District Green Coalition Joint Convenor Freedom Fighter Shamsul Alam Khan, members Principal (Retd.) Mainuddin Ahmed and Professor Anisur Rahman, as well as Ghior Committee member Shirin Akter.
Speakers said banning destructive China Duari nets was vital to protect native fish species and aquatic biodiversity, while adopting natural, pesticide-free farming was essential to reduce public health risks.
The newly formed committee will work with local stakeholders to build awareness and support implementation across the upazila.
