Feni, Aug 28 (V7N) - On Wednesday, residents of Feni formed a human chain to demand international accountability and fair management of transboundary rivers, along with compensation from the Loss and Damage Fund for the severe floods impacting their district and other parts of Bangladesh.
 
Under the banner "We are Feni Residents," participants braved knee-deep floodwaters to demonstrate in front of the Feni Polytechnic Institute. Their calls for action included urging the United Nations to secure compensation for the widespread devastation and to hold accountable the states responsible for the floods.
 
Protesters carried placards calling for the demolition of upstream dams, equitable distribution of water resources, and justice for flood victims. They also advocated for Bangladesh to urgently sign the 1997 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses, which they believe is crucial for protecting the country’s rights and strengthening its negotiating position with neighboring states.
 
The event garnered support from environmental organizations such as the Bangladesh Nature Conservation Alliance (BNCA), Bangladesh Environmental Movement (BAPA), and YouthNet for Climate Justice.
 
Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Convener of BNCA and Dean of the Faculty of Science at Stamford University Bangladesh, highlighted the scale of the disaster. "This is the worst flood Feni has experienced in a century," he stated, noting the staggering loss of over 64,000 livestock and nearly Tk 4 billion in damages to the sector. He criticized the upstream country for not adhering to international water laws, calling for an international court to address the violations.
 
Environmental journalist Kafayet Shakil, who reported on the devastation, described the scene as catastrophic. "The floodwaters have reached the second floors of buildings, leaving the region in ruins," Shakil said, emphasizing the immense economic damage.
 
SZ Apu, Event and Program Coordinator of YouthNet for Climate Justice, criticized developed nations for their role in exacerbating climate impacts and condemned the upstream country’s actions. "This disaster was not a natural event but a failure in managing transboundary rivers," Apu said. "Destructive dams must be dismantled, and global action is needed to secure compensation from wealthy nations responsible for climate change."
 
Apu called for strong diplomatic efforts to ensure justice for the flood-affected communities in Bangladesh, urging the international community to apply pressure and support the victims.

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