The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, and its forest-dependent communities are now at risk due to the impact of climate change and unregulated industrial expansion, speakers warned at a rally marking the Sundarbans Day in Bagerhat's Mongla today.

Various environmental organisations, including Dhoritri Rokkhay Amra (DHORA), ActionAid Bangladesh, JETNet BD, Sundarbans Rokhhay Amra, Badabon Sangha, CNRAS, Rupantar, Pashur River Waterkeeper, Sundarbans Museum, Wild Team, and Mongla Nagarik Samaj jointly organised the rally titled "Save the Sundarbans" at the Mongla municipality premises.

The speakers strongly criticised the ongoing operations of Rampal Power Plant, claiming that its coal-based pollution has turned the waters of the Pashur river toxic, endangering biodiversity of the Sundarbans. They argued that no scientific studies were conducted before giving permission to the industries around the forest, which has led to significant threats to its wildlife.

Addressing the event as chief guest, Sharif Jamil, member secretary of Dhoritri Rokkhay Amra and coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, said, "It is distressing that we have been continuously demanding effective measures to address the Sundarbans crisis."

"Despite repeated requests from the United Nations, a transparent and acceptable strategic environmental assessment for this region is yet to be conducted. The relentless industrial pollution near the Sundarbans, including the Rampal Power Plant, continues unchecked," he said.

He further warned, "The effects of climate change have put the existence of both the Sundarbans and forest-dependent communities at risk. Corruption within the forest department has increased, leaving fishermen, honey collectors, and woodcutters living in fear. We need to see concrete actions to protect the Sundarbans."

Md Noor Alam Sheikh, convener of Mongla Nagarik Samaj and Pashur River Waterkeeper, presided over the event. He said, "If we fail to stop unplanned industrialisation, poison fishing, deforestation, and wildlife hunting, we will not be able to save the Sundarbans, which is like a mother to us."