Sylhet activists rally at Ratargul for climate justice

As world leaders prepare to gather at the UN General Assembly in New York ahead of COP30 in Brazil, climate and rights activists in Sylhet staged a rally today, calling for urgent global action against the climate crisis, authoritarian rule and social injustice.

The event, organised by the Sylhet chapter of "Dhoritri Rokkhay Amra (Dhora)", a civil society platform for environment and climate justice, took place at the boat ghat of the Ratargul swamp forest at around 1:30pm.

With participation from grassroots communities, the gathering called on heads of states to stand united against inequality, repression, destruction and disorder, while ensuring a safer, healthier future for all through effective measures against climate change.

Abdul Karim Kim, member secretary of Dhora in Sylhet, said the demonstration was part of a global solidarity movement taking place between September 19 and 21 in over 100 countries, including 30 locations in Bangladesh.

"When powerful governments tilt towards authoritarianism and delay or undermine climate commitments, such protests carry a new message of unity," he said.

Speaking as chief guest, Metropolitan University Vice-Chancellor and life member of Dhora Dr Mohammad Zahirul Haque, described 2025 as a turning point year and urged collective struggle to uphold democracy and protect people's rights in the face of climate and social crises.