Climate activists demand compensation, protection of Sundarbans

A human chain and sit-in were held this morning on the bank of Pashur river at Kanainagar in Mongla to mark Climate Action Day.

Speakers warned that urgent climate finance is essential to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities and the Sundarbans.

The programme was organised by Dharitri Rokkhay Amra (Dhora), Waterkeepers Bangladesh and Pashur River Waterkeeper as part of a campaign calling for climate justice, food and water security, and a transition to renewable energy.

The event was chaired by Md Noor Alam Sheikh, central leader of Dhora and Pashur River Waterkeeper, who also addressed the gathering as chief guest.

He said ordinary people across the world are bearing the brunt of rising inequality, climate disasters and environmental destruction. Wealthy northern countries must provide climate compensation, not loans, and climate funds must urgently prioritise vulnerable coastal communities.

Abdur Rashid Hawlader, general secretary of the Mongla Fishermen's Association, said the Pashur river has become almost fishless due to pollution from the Rampal coal-fired power plant, adding that salinity has already exceeded tolerable limits.

Women's rights activist Farzana Begum said rising salinity is severely affecting women's reproductive health, with many suffering from uterine cancer and other illnesses.

Environmental activist Hasib Sardar, community representative Jahid Hossain Byapari and youth climate activist Mehedi Hasan also addressed the gathering.

"Developed countries must provide compensation to prevent climate-induced displacement and rising heat," Mehedi said.

He called for a fair transition to renewable energy and urged world leaders to adopt climate justice-based decisions at the COP30 summit.

Fishermen, bawalis, moualis, women, youth and people from various professions from the Sundarbans coastal belt joined the protest.

Participants carried banners and placards highlighting climate-related demands and urging global leaders to take immediate steps to protect coastal populations and ensure justice for communities suffering the impacts of climate change.