Environmentalists, researchers, human rights advocates and civil society representatives on Friday called for coordinated and effective measures to address the growing impacts of climate change and tackle mounting environmental challenges facing Bangladesh’s port city of Chattogram.
The call came during a seminar titled “Bosoti and Nature: Climate Crisis and the Future of Chattogram” organized by environmental organization Bosoti at the Chattogram Press Club in the Jamal Khan area of the city.
Speakers warned that unchecked environmental degradation, rapid urbanization and climate-related risks could have serious consequences for Chattogram unless immediate and sustainable action is taken.
The seminar, chaired by Md. Mobarak Hossain, moderated by Umme Kulsum Tarin, focused on the potential impacts of climate change on Chattogram, environmental vulnerabilities and pathways toward sustainable development.
In his opening remarks, Bosoti activist Khan Ayyub outlined the organization’s objectives, mission and future action plans.
Advocate Zia Habib Ahsan, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Human Rights Foundation (BHRF), highlighted issues including illegal urban expansion, hill cutting, encroachment on hilly lands and the destruction of natural green spaces in Chattogram. He stressed the importance of enforcing existing environmental laws to protect the region’s fragile ecosystem.
Rezwan Ahmed, spokesperson for the CRB Protection Platform, called for stronger initiatives to rehabilitate people affected and displaced by natural disasters. He also emphasized the need for greater public participation in preserving the environment of the city’s historic CRB area.
Noman Ullah Bahar, President of the SDG Youth Forum, underscored the importance of adopting environmentally responsible development strategies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Environmental activist Khan Muhammad Mustafa discussed the environmental consequences of industrialization and the establishment of economic zones in the Sitakunda and Mirsharai regions.
Nargis Akter of the Center for Health Innovation Research and Learning stressed the necessity of environmentally sustainable urban planning.
Engineer Arif Mahmud, Central Organizing Secretary of the Bangladesh Professionals’ Rights Council, proposed the introduction of a “green tax” and urged policymakers to encourage environmentally friendly initiatives through supportive policies.
Writer and public intellectual Mokarram Hossain spoke about the shortage of open recreational spaces in Chattogram, hill encroachment and the construction of environmentally harmful infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of promoting environmentally conscious lifestyles.
Hasan Maruf Rumi, a central leader of the Ganosamhati Andolan, demanded the restoration of the city’s canals that have been filled in over the years.
Tahsina Rahman, Secretary for Social Welfare, Environment and Human Rights of the Chattogram University Central Students’ Union (CHAKSU), highlighted the role and responsibilities of young people in raising environmental awareness and addressing climate challenges.
Professor Dr. Abul Kashem of the Department of Soil Science at the University of Chittagong and Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Chief Executive of the Organization for Disaster Management Society, also participated in the discussion.
Among those present at the seminar were Bosoti founder Md. Jamir Uddin, Tanjil Mahmud Shah of the July Network, poet Sulaim Mahmud and representatives from various professional and social sectors.
The event concluded in the evening with closing remarks delivered by Khobaib Hamdan, one of the key organizers of Bosoti.
