Mongla, Nov 10 (V7N)- As the world prepares for the upcoming COP-29 Climate Conference, a powerful and symbolic protest titled “Rising Tide: Awakening Voices” took place on the banks of the Pasur River in South Kainmari, Mongla, aimed at raising global awareness of the critical impact of climate change on coastal communities. Organized by Mongla Nagrik Samaj (MNS), Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLIN), and the Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development (BWGED), the event brought together families, community leaders, environmentalists, and students who highlighted the challenges posed by sea-level rise and climate change.

The protest, held at 9 a.m., featured children from families affected by rising tides in the Kendra River area, holding banners and festoons to spotlight the acute risks coastal communities face due to sea-level rise. Speaking at the event, Md Noor Alam Sheikh, the convener of Mongla Nagrik Samaj, emphasized the urgency of the crisis. “Mongla is at the forefront of the climate crisis,” he said, urging world leaders to recognize the plight of vulnerable communities. "Our local people are suffering immensely from the effects of climate change. Today, Mongla’s civil society is united, setting an example for others. We are raising our voices ahead of COP-29 to make the world realize that our time is running out fast."

Several environmental leaders, including Nazmul Haque, Bidyut Mandal, Kamala Sarkar, and Chandrika Mandal, also spoke on the severe threats from rising tides, frequent cyclones, and saltwater intrusion. These issues have damaged fertile land and forced many families to migrate in search of alternative livelihoods. Highlighting that Bangladesh has contributed minimally to global emissions, the speakers stressed the disproportionate impact the country faces from climate change.

The participants appealed to the Bangladeshi government and international allies to allocate funds for coastal adaptation projects, construct disaster-resilient infrastructure, and provide support to those displaced by climate change. Through this protest, Mongla’s residents hope to amplify their voices on the global stage, encouraging meaningful climate action as COP-29 approaches.

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