Mongla, July 26 (V7N) — Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry Adviser Lion Dr Sheikh Faridul Islam has stressed the need for protecting the Sundarbans and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities, saying the world’s largest mangrove forest plays a vital role in protecting Bangladesh from natural disasters.
He made the remarks on Saturday while addressing the inaugural session of a day-long citizen dialogue titled “Protecting Sundarbans and Coastal Livelihoods for Sustainable Development” at the Mongla Upazila Parishad Auditorium in Bagerhat.
Dr Faridul Islam said the Sundarbans acts as a natural shield against cyclones and other climate-related disasters, but human activities are also causing damage to the forest. He called for collective efforts to protect the ecosystem.
“The Sundarbans is the lungs of Bangladesh. Protecting this vital ecosystem is necessary for our own future and for future generations,” he said.
The minister said the government has taken initiatives to support communities dependent on the Sundarbans. He said, for the first time, assistance has been allocated for 8,271 fishermen families living in coastal areas, including 661 metric tonnes of rice.
He also announced that no brick kiln in the country would be allowed to burn wood and said no new coal-based power plants would be established. Instead, the government plans to expand renewable energy projects based on solar and wind power.
He further said old buses operating in Dhaka city, particularly those that are 20 to 25 years old, would be removed as they contribute significantly to air pollution.
Addressing concerns over illegal fishing in the Sundarbans, Dr Faridul Islam said allegations have been raised that some people use poison to catch fish in the forest. He said if anyone from the Forest Department is found involved in such activities, strict action would be taken.
The dialogue was organised jointly by environmental and climate organisations including Dharitri Rakshay Amra (DHARA), Brighters, Pashur River Waterkeeper, Sachetan Foundation, and Waterkeepers Bangladesh as part of the “People’s Mandate: Manifesto to Action” series.
The event brought together national and local stakeholders to discuss Sundarbans conservation, coastal livelihoods, climate change impacts, sustainable development policies, and future action plans.
The opening session was chaired by Sharif Jamil, Central Member Secretary of DHARA and Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh. Special guests included Khulna-1 MP Amir Ejaz Khan, Bagerhat-4 MP Md Abdul Alim, Bagerhat District Council Administrator Barrister Sheikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Forest Conservator of the Khulna region Imran Ahmed, Mongla Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sharmin Akter Sumi, Mongla Circle Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Refatul Islam, and representatives from political parties and environmental organisations.
During the session, speakers discussed the importance of including environmental protection and climate change responses in political commitments. The session was moderated by Md Nur Alam Sheikh, Coordinator of Pashur River Waterkeeper and Sundarbans Protection Movement.
A special afternoon session titled “Livelihoods and Ecosystems of the Southwestern Coastal Region” focused on the challenges faced by coastal communities and environmental conservation.
The session was attended by environmentalists, researchers, civil society representatives, journalists, fishermen’s representatives, youth leaders, and local stakeholders. Speakers highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to protect the Sundarbans while ensuring sustainable economic opportunities for people living in coastal areas.
The dialogue was part of a broader initiative launched before the national election to encourage political parties to prioritise environmental protection and climate issues in their manifestos. The post-election “People’s Mandate: Manifesto to Action” series aims to support the implementation of environmental and climate commitments made by political parties.
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