Khulna: A media advocacy meeting titled ‘Strengthening Social Protection for Climate-Induced and Internally Displaced Migrants: Challenges and Way Forward’ was held today at the Shaheed Humayun Kabir Balu Auditorium of Khulna Press Club. The programme was organised by Caritas Bangladesh, Khulna Region, and attended by the Convener of Khulna Press Club, Enamul Haque, who served as the chief guest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, speakers at the meeting highlighted that climate change displaces not only individual families but also entire communities. With natural disasters increasingly threatening livelihoods, many people from coastal and disaster-prone areas are being forced to migrate to urban centres, particularly Khulna. They emphasized that ensuring the basic needs of vulnerable populations in coastal regions could alleviate migration pressure on cities.
The speakers also discussed the crucial role of mass media in shaping public opinion and influencing policymaking. They expressed hope that media outlets would focus on the challenges faced by climate migrants and advocate for the development of inclusive social protection systems. The event featured a keynote paper presentation by Assistant Professor Dr Mohammad Ismail Hossain of the Disaster Management Institute at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology.
Project Coordinator Pabitra Kumar Mondal delivered the welcome address, setting the stage for discussions aimed at raising awareness among media professionals about the issues and rights of climate migrants. The meeting sought to identify gaps in existing social protection programmes, encourage responsible and evidence-based reporting, and foster dialogue among media, government, and civil society stakeholders.
Journalists and community leaders from four wards of Khulna City Corporation participated in the meeting, contributing to a comprehensive discussion on the way forward for climate-induced and internally displaced migrants.