Despite the numerous issues Bangladesh is facing, and with the interim government’s hands full with reforms, it is important to reiterate that climate change remains - and will remain - the biggest existential threat for us.
Bangladesh has long been among the most vulnerable nations to the effects of climate change, and it is unfortunate that this shall continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.
As such, while we must continue to raise our voices and attempt to hold the developed world - who are single-handedly responsible for the climate crisis we find ourselves in today - accountable for their actions, we must simultaneously do all we can do to safeguard our own people and communities from the adverse effects of climate change.
To that end, the five projects being implemented in Khulna by the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) are the sort of initiatives that offer some hope.
These projects involve protecting 728 kilometres of critical riverbanks, re-excavating canals, building and repairing embankments, and repairing regulators - all of which are critical actions to help protect the region from waterlogging caused by excessive rainfall, prevent embankment erosion from tidal surges and save farmlands, homes and properties from river erosion.
While we must encourage more of these projects, it is more important to ensure that such projects are implemented efficiently. Challenges such as insufficient operational budgets, a lack of quality construction materials, and limited skilled manpower and equipment are not new, and the onus is on the authorities concerned to prioritize addressing and finding solutions to these problems.
Bangladesh’s future development depends heavily on how we navigate the climate crisis. To be pro-active in putting up safeguards is our only hope.