Rajshahi:Experts and stakeholders have emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between government and non-government institutions to address the ongoing water crisis in the Barind region. They insist on the implementation of long-term, sustainable, and effective initiatives that comply with existing laws to ensure climate justice.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this call to action was made during the Divisional Democratic Dialogue and Joint Action Plan Formulation programme held at Nanking Darbar Hall in the city. The event, organized under the ENGAGE project, aimed to protect the rights of communities affected by climate change and environmental degradation in the Rajshahi and Naogaon districts.
The meeting was organized by the DASCO Foundation with financial support from the European Union and NETZ Bangladesh. Additional Commissioner of Rajshahi division, Shahana Akhter Jahan, served as the chief guest, while Civil Society Organization Member Jostina Murmu chaired the session. Notable speakers included Tobias Biermann and Iole Valentina Lucchese from the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, along with Max Stille from NETZ Bangladesh, and officials from various local government departments.
Chief Executive Officer of DASCOH Akramul Haque moderated the discussion, and Project Coordinator Ruhul Amin presented on the project's objectives. The dialogue highlighted issues such as the water crisis, lack of alternative water sources, misuse of groundwater, and pollution from brick kilns and plastics. Participants recommended sustainable initiatives and the proper application of existing laws to address these challenges.
Speakers at the event, including DAE Deputy Director Mostafa Kamal Hossain and BMDA Executive Engineer Mostafizur Rahman, advocated for cultivating water-efficient crops and maintaining natural water flows to tackle the crisis. The dialogue concluded with calls for collective action to prioritize the interests of affected communities in the face of climate change.