Mongla, Oct 16 (V7N) – A public rally was held on Wednesday afternoon at the Chandpai Union Parishad grounds in Mongla’s Kainmari area, emphasizing the protection of women’s rights in agriculture, food, water, and land while opposing corporate control and neo-colonial exploitation in Bangladesh.

Speaking as the chief guest, Shammimur Rahman Shammim, central research secretary of the BNP and an agricultural expert, said, “We cannot tolerate corporate domination or neo-colonial exploitation in agriculture, food, and fisheries. Bangladesh’s national interest must come first. Women’s rights in food, water, and land must be ensured. Environmental degradation in coastal areas has worsened food insecurity. Northern countries must provide compensation, not loans, to prevent climate displacement. We must establish a fair, climate-friendly, and sustainable food system in Bangladesh.”

The rally brought together coastal women, forest dwellers, fishers, landless people, and climate-displaced individuals, demanding the safeguarding of women’s rights and equitable access to resources. The event was organized by Dharti Raksha (Dhara), Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Badabon Sangha, and Pasur River Waterkeeper.

Md. Nur Alam Sheikh, environmental activist and coordinator of Pasur River Waterkeeper, presided over the program. Special guests included Upazila Agriculture Officer Prashanta Kumar Howlader, freedom fighter Sheikh Abu Hanif, Sundarbans Museum Director Subhash Chandra Biswas, BNP leader Emran Hossain, prominent fisheries businessman Md. Shah Alam Sheikh, and women’s leader Shamima Akter Laizu. Development workers, cultural organizers, musicians, and local fisher leaders also delivered speeches, including Tripti Sardar, Suniti Roy, Zane Alam Babu, Molla Al Mamun, Bidyut Mondol, Abdur Rashid Howlader, Komola Sarker, Hashib Sardar, and Mehedi Hasan.

Farmers showcased their agricultural products during the rally, which also featured traditional rural sports, including stick games, and cultural performances.

The rally was organized to protest against the exploitation, resource depletion, human rights violations, and neo-colonial practices of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund on the occasion of their 80th anniversary.

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