Dhaka: Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal emphasized the necessity for long-term, sustainable, and coordinated efforts to protect the lives and livelihoods of people in the haor regions. He proposed the formation of a special taskforce to identify and address the real problems facing these areas.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Deputy Speaker made these remarks at a seminar titled ‘Haor Disaster: Relevance of the Book ‘Chashabhushar Shontan’ and the Way Forward,’ where he participated as the chief guest. The seminar was organized by the Netrakona Journalists Forum Dhaka at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity. Discussions focused on natural disasters, struggles of farmers, sustainable embankment management, climate change impacts, and future development planning.
Barrister Kayser Kamal, identifying himself as a ‘son of the haor,’ shared his personal connection to the region, having witnessed its challenges firsthand. He noted that despite the significant contributions of haor farmers to the national economy, effective and sustainable initiatives for the region have been limited since independence. He highlighted that discussions on haor issues typically arise only after significant damage occurs, with long-term solutions often overlooked.
Referring to the book ‘Chashabhushar Shontan,’ he stated that it accurately depicts the realities and struggles of the haor region and emphasized the importance of research-oriented publications for policymaking and public awareness. The Deputy Speaker also criticized the irregularities in fish farming, pointing out the exploitation within the leasing system that disadvantages genuine fishermen and affects water flow and agriculture.
He underscored the importance of effective water management, science-based research, and the innovation of technologies for early seed plantation. He also stressed the need for accurate documentation of genuinely affected individuals in the haor region to ensure just policies.
The Deputy Speaker called for unity and collaborative efforts to build a humane Bangladesh, aligning with the country’s independence aspirations. The seminar was attended by lawmaker Anwarul Haque, journalists, researchers, writers, and other stakeholders related to the haor region, all advocating for coordinated efforts to safeguard the region’s inhabitants.