Barguna, Apr 11 (V7N) – Twenty-two organizations united in Barguna today for a peaceful strike and protest rally, amplifying the urgent need for climate justice and addressing the adverse effects of climate change on their region.
"A peaceful strike and protest rally by youth has been held in Barguna demanding the adverse effects of climate change and global climate justice," reported Mahmudur Rahman Roni, Barguna Correspondent.
The demonstration, held as part of the global climate strike on Friday, April 11th, from 10 AM to 12 PM local time, saw a strong turnout from local youth-led social, cultural, volunteer, and environmental organizations.
"22 social, cultural, volunteer, and environmental organizations of local youth in Barguna expressed solidarity and jointly organized this program," the correspondent noted.
The day's events commenced with a climate strike protest march originating in front of the Barguna District Shilpakala Academy. The procession then moved through the main thoroughfares of the city, culminating in a rally at the Barguna Press Club premises. Throughout the morning, climate-conscious citizens and students from various parts of Barguna joined the growing demonstration.
"As part of the program, a climate strike protest march took place in front of the Barguna District Shilpakala Academy in the morning. Later, the procession circled the main roads of the city and turned into a rally at the Barguna Press Club premises. As the day progressed, climate-conscious citizens and students from different parts of the city also joined it," an eyewitness reported.
Participants in the program voiced a strong demand for international assistance specifically targeted at the climate-vulnerable southern region of Bangladesh, including Barguna. They also called for accountability from nations bearing the primary responsibility for global carbon emissions.
"Participants in the program demanded international assistance for the climate-affected southern region, including Barguna, and accountability from countries responsible for carbon emissions," the correspondent stated.
The rally featured a diverse group of speakers representing the participating organizations, who collectively highlighted the severe threats posed by climate change to the coastal areas of Bangladesh, with Barguna being particularly at risk. They emphasized the detrimental impacts on agriculture, habitats, and livelihoods due to increased cyclones, tidal surges, and salinity intrusion.
"The speakers said that coastal areas of Bangladesh, including Barguna, are at risk due to climate change. Agriculture, habitats and livelihoods are under threat due to cyclones, tidal surges and salinity," the report detailed, citing various youth leaders.
The speakers further stressed the critical need for the International Climate Fund to ensure direct compensation for climate victims and to invest in sustainable adaptation activities in vulnerable regions like Barguna.
"They also said that the International Climate Fund must ensure direct compensation for victims and investment in sustainable adaptation activities," the correspondent noted.
Following the speeches, the demonstration concluded with a symbolic five-minute road blockade, representing the disruption caused by climate change, and a continued peaceful strike to underscore their demands for climate justice.
"After the speech, the program concluded with a symbolic five-minute road blockade and a peaceful strike," the report concluded.
This youth-led climate strike in Barguna underscores the growing urgency and local impact of climate change in Bangladesh's coastal regions, adding to the global chorus demanding greater action and accountability on climate justice.
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