On the eve of the 34th anniversary of Cyclone Mary-An, which devastated Bangladesh’s coastal regions on 29 April 1991, civil society organizations called for self-funded disaster resilience strategies and sustainable development measures. At a human chain event in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, speakers urged the government to prioritize local solutions and move away from debt-driven disaster management strategies.
The event, organized by EquityBD and other civil society organizations, highlighted the need for sustainable waste management, saline-free water treatment plants, and concrete embankments to protect coastal communities. Speakers also called for UN agencies and international NGOs (INGOs) to empower local NGOs rather than directly implementing projects, reads a press release.
Sustainable Solutions for Coastal Communities
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation and chair of the event, emphasized the urgency of self-funding regional disaster resilience plans. He proposed allocating Tk 2,000 crore for constructing concrete block embankments and expanding coastal forests, asserting that the Water Development Board must be held accountable to local governments for effective implementation.
Chowdhury also called for investing in water treatment technologies to tackle the acute freshwater crisis in coastal areas caused by salinity intrusion and declining groundwater levels.
Speakers like Shaheda Khatun of Youth Action for Development stressed the need for sustainable waste management systems, including expanded fecal sludge treatment plants and plastic recycling facilities. "Leaving a habitable world for future generations requires immediate action," she stated.
Addressing environmental threats, Shahriar Shawon of Water Keepers Bangladesh condemned projects like Rampal and Matarbari, which have resulted in mangrove deforestation. He urged a shift toward renewable energy to safeguard the country's natural disaster defenses.
Lack of Progress in National Strategies
M.A. Hassan of COAST expressed concern over the slow implementation of the national strategy and 20-year action plan (2022–2042) on internal displacement management. He emphasized that formulating plans alone is insufficient; urgent, priority-based investments are essential to prevent future displacement.
Honoring Victims and Ensuring Resilience
Mustafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD highlighted the importance of equitable partnerships between international and local NGOs. He urged UN agencies and INGOs to step back from direct project implementation, fostering self-reliance among local organizations.
Reflecting on the legacy of Cyclone Mary-An, Nikhil Chandra Bhadra, Coordinator of Sundarban Upakul Surokkha Andolon, lamented that coastal residents remain vulnerable to disasters, with little progress made in sustainable coastal protection.
Calls for Concrete Actions
Speakers collectively demanded concrete embankments, mangrove reforestation, and investments in climate-resilient infrastructure to secure the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities. The event concluded with a call to prioritize sustainable, self-funded disaster resilience strategies over debt-driven approaches.
Organizations participating in the event included the Sundarban Upakul Surokkha Andolon, ARBAN, COAST Foundation, and the BDCSO Process, among others. The event was moderated by Mustafa Kamal Akanda and chaired by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury.
