Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today announced that the government is prepared to work sincerely on policy support and environmental interventions that can bring tangible benefits to the Munda community. "Even if we cannot completely solve their problems, we can at least start the journey of solutions," she stated during a virtual address at the "National Sharing Meeting: From Impact to Action - Mainstreaming Climate Resilience for the Munda Community," hosted at a city hotel.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana emphasized the vulnerabilities faced by the Munda community due to climate change. She noted that their nature-dependent lifestyle and limited socioeconomic capacity are increasingly threatened by climate impacts. "Despite having a deep connection with nature, you (Munda community) are now suffering the most from climate fragility, water scarcity, land crisis, and health risks," she said.
Rizwana expressed concern over the neglect of the customary rights of the Munda community, which often results in restricted access to forests and natural resources. She assured the community of the government's willingness to take practical steps that respect their needs, traditional lifestyles, and rights.
The meeting was chaired by Tasmima Hossain, President of Breaking the Silence and Editor of Dainik Ittefaq, and attended by notable figures including the Director General of Department of Social Services, Md Saidur Rahman, and the President of Munda Community's Self Help, Suradhani Munda. Speakers at the event underscored the importance of enhancing the Munda community's standard of living, protecting their rights, ensuring their participation in the equitable use of natural resources, and boosting their resilience to climate challenges.