Despite continuously protecting Bangladesh, the country has failed to protect the Sundarbans marshland.
Compared to other countries, Bangladesh lags behind in taking care of the environment that leads to climate change.
Youths of the country have expressed this concern at a virtual meeting organized by Brac titled, “Role of youth in combating climate change and protecting the environment,” held on the occasion of World Environment Day on Friday.
They also urged the government and other organizations to save the Sundarbans and create awareness among the masses on a vast scale and the need for focus on climate migration.
Bangladeshi climate justice expert Saleemul Huq said that there is a need to deal with environmental problems both locally and internationally, while Covid-19 pandemic, public health crisis, and natural disasters such as ‘Amphan’ take a toll on Bangladesh.
“However, as always, the Sundarbans has defended us,” he said, adding that this natural asset must be kept safe.
He urged all university students and the youth of the country to take initiative in this regard as they are the “social capital” of the country.
He asked one and all to help in the government’s environmental protection programs in an extensive way.
Youth Environmentalist Fahim Uddin said just like the health workers who are working on the frontline, environment workers are also working to combat Covid-19, without any social recognition. “They are keeping the environment healthy.”
Researcher Rukhsan Sultana said that locals living in the area were mostly concerned about Sundarbans and climate change. There’s a need for research regarding the link between public health and the environment. This is a new avenue, and its output would be helpful.
Environmentalist Ishtiaq Ahmed said: “Covid-19 has already taught us how to keep the environment, rivers, and other natural resources safe. We need to apply this learning.”
Mustafizul Alam of Brac Climate Change Program (CCP) moderated the program.