DHAKA: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today warned that 45 percent of the corals on Saint Martin’s Island have already been bleached, and if economic activities are not controlled, the remaining corals are likely to be destroyed by 2045. ‘Corals can be recovered through controlling economic activities, otherwise all corals will be bleached to death and Saint Martin’s Island will go under water,’ she stated at a seminar organized by the Jatiya Nagorik Committee titled ‘Environment, Climate and Politics in New Bangladesh’ held at Pani Bhaban in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana Hasan highlighted Thailand’s recent measures, where tourists have been completely banned from 11 coral islands this year due to coral bleaching affecting 10-11 percent of their corals. She emphasized the urgency for Bangladesh to consider similar actions, as it has only one coral island compared to Thailand’s multiple coral islands. She pointed out that Thailand has also i
mposed restrictions in popular tourist spots like Krabi Island, while Bangladesh has yet to implement a tourist ban on Saint Martin’s Island.
Addressing the issue of freeing canals in Dhaka, Rizwana Hasan revealed that a comprehensive plan is underway to remove encroachments and pollution from the city’s canals to establish a ‘Blue Network.’ A working group, comprising representatives from various agencies including the Water Development Board, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, Department of Environment, River Protection Commission, and City Corporations, has been tasked with preparing an initial work plan within three days, followed by a final plan by November 30 after consultations with stakeholders.
On the topic of documenting water bodies, she noted the lack of basic information regarding rivers, canals, beels, and haors. The ministry has already collected data from district levels, and upon finalization, these lists will be uploaded to the ministry’s website. Rizwana Hasan affirmed the gover
nment’s commitment to prioritizing environmental protection in the development of a new Bangladesh, with efforts focused on forest conservation and pollution prevention.
She urged the youth to play an active role in combating climate change, emphasizing their importance in environmental protection. The seminar also featured speeches from Jahangirnagar University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. Mahfuzur Rahman, Bangladesh Institute of Planners President Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, RDRC Chairman Mohammad Ejaz, and special correspondent of Prothom Alo Iftekhar Mahmud, with Jatiya Nagorik Committee Convener Nasir Uddin Patwary presiding.
Members of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, including Ariful Islam Adib, Monira Sharmeen, Zaved Rashin, and Faisal Mahmud Shanto, also participated, along with government officials, environmentalists, and young climate activists. Youth climate activists at the event demanded that those involved in the illegal grabbing of wetlands and rivers and other environmental pollu
tions be disqualified from participating in any elections in the country. Over 20 youth organizations focused on environmental issues attended the seminar.