On 20th May COAST Executive Director and EquityBD Chief Moderator Rezaul Karim Chowdhury as a member of LDC Watch presented climate change focus for preparation of LDC 5 / Doha Plan of Action in front of two Co-Chair Ambassador Rabab Fatim and Ambassador Bob Rae. Please find the note here.
 |  |
Dhaka 17 April 2021: Today a virtual seminar titled “Leaders’ Summit on Climate Change and Civil Society Expectations” is organized by COAST Foundation, CSRL (Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood), CLEAN-BD [Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network], BIPNet-CCBD [Bangladesh Indigenous People Network on Climate Change & Biodiversity] and CPRD [Centre for Participatory Research and Development], where climate change expert, policy maker and civil society members urged our Prime Minister [PM] to speak for “A Global Regime on Climate Displacement” in upcoming US president hosted Leaders’ Summit on Climate. They also request PM to take position on 1.5 degree Celsius as target limit in global warming.
The virtual seminar is chaired by Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Chairman of PKSF (Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation) and Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP (Member of Parliament) and the Chair of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change as Chief Guest. Seminar is moderated by Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury from COAST Foundation where Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary MP Gaibandha-1, Dr. Atiq Rahman Executive Director-BCAS, Dr. Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus BRAC University, Dr. Manjurul Hannan Khan former Additional Secretary, Ministry of EF & CC, Mr. Sharif Jamil, General Secretary- BAPA, Md Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive-CPRD, Ziaul Hoque Mukta of CSRL, Mr. Mrinal Kanti Tripura, BIPNet-CCBD, Hasan Mehedi of CLEAN-BD and Mr. Kawser Rahman- BCJF have participated and spoke.
In a key note presentation, Syed Aminul Hoque from COAST said that US indeed have to show the best example on climate action especially reducing GHG [Green House Gases] emission, financing to the MVCs [Most Vulnerable Countries] adaptation & mitigation effort to take global leadership. He put some demand those are (I) US [United State] will enhance their NDC up to 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030, reaching the “net zero” by 2050 (ii) Declare own country share [03 billion] for US$ 100 billion in GCF and promise to facilitate the GCF 50% for adaptation and (iii) US self-declaration to relax and ensure IPR [Intellectual Property Rights] Flexibility for Technology transfer to MVCs adaptation & mitigation effort.
Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said that as the CVF chair Bangladesh will address their climate vulnerabilities in upcoming Leaders’ Summit. Apart we should claim finance & technologies for adaptation, removing GCF procrastination to channelize the fund for MVCs and oppose to include the L&D [Loss & Damage] issues in adaptation related negotiation process under Paris Agreement (PA).
Saber Hossain Chowdhury said the Biden called summit is an acid test for us to facilitate multilateralism in climate action. So that we should take position for 1.5 degree temperature cap for US and other big emitters and it should be under specific target of actions by 2030. He also gives importance to set the peak year period to achieve the target.
Dr. Ainun Nishat opine that Bangladesh may not benefited dealing the market mechanism under PA. Rather give attention to finance and climate migration as the US has taken the migration issue seriously. Dr. Atiq Rahaman criticized US to forget their last four years role and carbon emission and now trying to make window dressing in the name of summit. Ziaul Hoque Mukta demand Separate Regime for Climate displacement. Shamsuddoha and Kawser Ahemed also urged PM role to make CVF as negotiation group in PA implementation process.
Member of Parliament Barrister Shamim Patwary concerned for extinction due to climatic impact. These issues need to uphold in the Leaders’ Summit. Fund should be placed through multilateral negotiation to ensure our protection. Hasan Mehedi demand urgent action to stop US investors in carbon emitting project investment as they emitting GHG 117 fold higher globally comparing their domestic emission.
Manjurul Hannan opine the developed countries will implement their dirty projects by MVCs in the name emission trading that shouldn’t accepted. So that we should emphasis to enhance their NDCs.
Please download Related paper [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Presentation] [Seminar Video] [Civil Society Proposal]
Newspaper link:
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |
Seminar: National Strategy on Disaster and Climate Induced Internal Displacement Management [Government Draft] and Civil Society OpinionVenue: CIRDAP Auditorium (Old Building), Dhaka Date & Time: 02 November 2019, 10.30-13.30hr Related Documents: 1. Seminar Outline_Govt. National Strategy on Internal Displacement Management [Draft]_02 Nov at CIRDAP_updated 31th October 2. [Government National Strategy [Draft] on the Management of Disaster and Climate Induced Internal Displacement (NSMDCIID)_English 3. [Government National Strategy [Draft] on the Management of Disaster and Climate Induced Internal Displacement (NSMDCIID)_Bangla Summary translation 4. COAST Review Paper on Draft NSMDCIID_Updated 30 Oct 2019 5. COAST Power Point Presentation on NSMDCIID_Updated 30 Oct 2019 6. Global Compact on Migration [GCM]_Bangla Summary_translation
[vc_button title=”COAST Relief Operation for Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN)” target=”_blank” color=”blue” size=”size_large” href=”http://coastbd.net/coast-relief-operation”]
Dhaka, 22 February 2021: BDCSO Process calls for building a local civil society with Self dignity while observing the International Mother Language Day. The network arranged a series of online discussion in 4 divisions while CCNF in Cox’s Bazar and COAST Foundation arranged a staff conference as the gathering to Shaheed Minars was restricted due to COVID-19.
The core spirit of 1952 Language Movement and the sacrifice of lives is the appreciation of self-dignity and breaking the shackle of oppression. The declaration of 21 February as the International Mother Language Day brought Internationalism and Universality of human right onto it. Taking this broader spirit into account BDCSO Process, CCNF and COAST Foundation organized these activities for observing this day with a vision to build a conscious civil society in the country with self-esteem.
Major district level CSO NGO participated to the virtual discussions arranged by their divisional committee on 21 and 22 February. CCNF (Cox’s Bazar CSO NGO Forum) organized a separate online discussion in Cox’s Bazar focusing the special scenario there. COAST Trust on 21 February evening organized a separate virtual meeting for around 500 staff members.
Being chaired by Mr. Abu Murshed Chowdhury, Co-Chair of CCNF, the speakers of the meeting in Cox’s Bazar urged the international agencies including UN to facilitate Bangla as the official language for the humanitarian and development interventions. They said that the locals hardly can participate to the meetings while it is conducted in English.
Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Chief Moderator of BDCSO Process and Mustafa Kamal Akanda, DIrector of COAST Foundation were present in all the virtual meetings held at divisional level on behalf of the central secretariat. Belal Hossain of Prottasha moderated the meeting of Khulna, Sayda Yasmin of AFAD moderated the meeting of Rangpur, Khandaker Faruk Ahmed moderated the meeting of Mymensingh and Shuvankar Chakrabarti and Anwar Jahid led the meeting in Barishal. The meeting for COAST Foundation staff members was moderated by Mr. Sanat Kumar Bhowmik, Deputy Executive Director.
A leaflet titled “The Spirit of 21 February Makes Us Brave and Self-Reliant” was prepared and sent to the participants beforehand so that they can discuss on it. The content of the leaflet facilitated the discussion how the spirit of 21 February is aligned with building the local level CSO to be self-esteemed. The text solicited the local CSOs not to lose their dignity while applying for foreign fund since they are motivated to a great cause for the society. Rather they would rethink to mobilizing local resources and build a sustainable CSO.
BDCSO Process, EQUITYBD, CCNF and COAST Trust also attended to the Shaheed Minars in the morning to put their wreath on the mound and they followed the COVID-19 restrictions as instructed. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said in his speech that, BDCSO Process from now on will observe all the national days and will correlate the spirit of the day with their organizational motto. This initiative would help the young generation to be patriotic and the local CSO/ NGO would more self-esteemed to serve the local people.
Please download related paper [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Leaflet]
Photos:
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
Dhaka 17 October 2020: Today a virtual seminar titled “Demand Emergency Budget allocation in upcoming dry season to embankment repair & maintenance” is organized by COAST Trust and CSRL (Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood) where policy maker and local government representatives urged government to allocate emergency budget for embankment repairing due to damage by recent cyclone and flood across the country.
The seminar is chaired by Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Chairman of PKSF (Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation) and Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP (Member of Parliament) and the Chair of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change as Chief Guest. Seminar is moderated by Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury from COAST Trust and Ziaul Hoque Mukta of CSRL, where Mr. Talukdar Abdul Khaleque (Mayor Khulna City Corporation), Mr. Asheq Ullah Rafiq MP, Cox’s Bazar-2, Mr. Nurunnabi Chowdhury MP, Bhola-3, Md. Monowar Hossain Chowdhury MP, Gaibandha-4, Mr. Dhirendra Nath Shambhu MP, Barguna-1, Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary MP Gaibandha-1, many Union Parishad (UP) chairmen of affected areas from Cox’s Bazar, Satkhira, Khulna, Rangpur, Bhola and Gaibanddha district have participated and spoke.
In a key note presentation, Mr. Arif Dewan of COAST Trust said the latest cyclone Amphan and prolonged flood has been damage around 600 Kilometre embankment across the country along with BDT 75 billion economic losses. In this context, emergency repair is needed in upcoming dry season to avoid further devastation. He also shown that ensuring only 3.0% funding per year through national budget will cover necessary cost of climate resilient embankment construction in five year period. He made some demand regarding embankment construction and repair; (1) Government should allocate at least BDT 120 billion as emergency allocation for embankment construction in upcoming dry season, (2) Ensure necessary finance through national budget doing long term embankment management plan (3) Stop so called sub-contracting process and Local governments should be given mandate and budget for embankment maintenance,
Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said we have plan but not prioritized. We need an all parties parliamentary group to ahead the issue of embankment management strategy along with development issues. That will work with integrated approach and might result.
Saber Hossain Chowdhury said that due to lack sustainable embankment and river management policy, every year huge financial loss being happened in the name of embankment repair & construction. We need for a long term plan and explore how work with integrated approach engaging with ministries those are related with water & river management direct and indirectly.
M. Ziaul Hoque Mukta made some recommendation as WDB office and personnel should deployed in respected vulnerable area and district, rehabilitation of displaced people by taking especial measure due to river erosion and embankment failure, Repair & maintenance work must be implemented in dry season.
M. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said, government should divided and declare national allocation into two part for construction and maintenance. So that maintenance cost can go to the local government and construction fund will be kept for WDB. So the timely maintenance will reduce the damage.
Mr. Talukdar Abdul Khaleque said Water logging is mainly caused by river siltation but embankment failure has been escalating the issue. So that government should consider both issues as long term solution. Budget must be placed in local government if proper output sought.
Mr. Dhirendra Nath Shambhu MP has emphasis to ensure transparency and accountability of WDB (Water development Board) in case of implementation at least. He also recommended to place fund as emergency basis for repairing damage embankments in upcoming dry season.
Monowar Hossain Chowdhury MP said that siltation from up streaming rivers are causing the erosion and embankment damage in northern districts and recent flood damage huge number of infrastructures. Planned action on dredging is important to save the people and asset.
Barrister Shamim Patwary MP said that around 5000-50000 people are being displaced every year due to river erosion and main cause of increasing poverty in northern districts. Current national budget is insufficient and need to increase finance even foreign support for protection of embankment and river erosion as long term basis.
Mr. Asheq Ullah Rafiq MP said, due to lack of appropriate design and construction by WDB, embankment doesn’t sustain in south east coastal areas especially in Cox’s Bazar district and people suffer. He urge for appropriate embankment design based on the soil structure and geological difference in coastal areas. Mr. Nurunnabi Chowdhury MP demanded effective and sustainable embankment design and implementation to save Bhola district from river erosion as this district situated in the mouth of Bay of Bangle and continue facing erosion. Download [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Presentation]
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
|  |
Dhaka, 14 October 2020. The National Committee for the Observation of the International Rural Women’s Day organized a virtual press conference today on the eve of the International Rural Women’s Day. The day is going to be observed tomorrow. At the press conference, it was said that, rural women are neglected, their contribution is not recognized. Therefore, rural women are more likely to be vulnerable to discrimination and oppression. All forms of violence against women, especially violations against rural women, have increased during the COVID19 period. The way violence against women, especially rural women, is on the rise as a shadow epidemic in the COVID pandemic, the days ahead will become more insecured if it is not socially prevented along with legal action. We have to ensure the rights and dignity that every woman deserves. Also, all sorts of violence against women must be dealt with speedy trial law.
According to the organizers, International Rural Women’s Day is being celebrated in over 50 districts of the country. Like every year, the day is being celebrated across the country through various events and various programs including awarding honors to rural women for their contribution in various fields. They also said that since 2000, various voluntary and development organizations (NGOs) in Bangladesh have been celebrating Rural Women’s Day with their own funds. It is to be noted that EquityBD is acting as the secretariat of the National Committee for the Celebration of International Rural Women’s Day.
Salma Sabiha of COAST Trust presented the keynote on behalf of the organizers at the press conference chaired by Shamima Akhtar, Chairperson of the National Committee for the Observation of the International Rural Women’s Day, while Mustafa Kamal Akand, Coordinator of the Secretariate of the National Committee, moderated the conference. National Committee Member Ferdous Ara Rumi, Masuda Faruk Ratna of Gram Bikash Sangstha, Pratibha Banerjee from BNNRC, Manjushree Saha from Rangpur, Swapan Kumar Guha of Rupantar, Akbar Hossain of Rangpur Pratibondhi Sangstha, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of COAST Trust, Sabrina Akhtar of Wise, Mr. AHM Bazlur Rahman of BNNRC also spoke at the press conference.
In her keynote address, Salma Sabiha said, we need social initiative along with legal actions. All women should call the hotline number (10921) of the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs to seek protection and services from violence. There should be awareness and campaign among women so they can easily get services from the National Emergency Number 999 and Prevention of Violence Against Women and Child Marriage Number 109. The government should plan a ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy on any kind of violence against women. She added that 98% of women have lost their jobs because of the direct impact of COVID-19, who are mainly domestic workers, cleaners, garment workers, and temporary workers in the construction sector, only 8.50% received the wages/salary of March. In March alone, there were 64 incidents of rape and over 300 cases of domestic violence in Bogra, Jamalpur, and Cox’s Bazar districts. In April, 4,249 women were victims of various forms of violence, the lion’s share of whom were rural women.
Ferdous Ara Rumi said, the patriarchic mentality of men is mainly responsible for the inferior position of women in society. It is not possible to bring equality to women without eliminating discrimination and violence against women. The most horrific and heinous form of violence against women is rape. According to the Ain o Shalish Kendro, there were 975 rapes in August alone. Moreover, an average of 111 women is raped every month. Most of them are rural women and children.
Shamima Akhter said, we should take joint efforts to address the barriers of rural women. We will stand by women in the violence against women during the COVID-19 period.
Manjushree Saha said, the contribution of rural women in development is immense. Especially in agriculture. Building resistance to violence against rural women is not the only issue. Everyone, including the public representatives and the local government, have to work together.
Masuda Farooq Ratna said, the overall development of women is not possible leaving rural women behind. Even among rural women, physically challenged and mentally handicapped women and children are more vulnerable to violence. We need to think about them especially. She also said that, rural women should be developed and brought into the mainstream to celebrate International Women’s Day together. Press Release [Bangla] [English]
Dhaka 24 June 2020: Today EquityBD, a network of right based civil society, labor and farmer organizations, organized a virtual press conference to give reactions on budget 2020-21 titled “Stopping Illicit Capital Flight Should be Highest Priority in Domestic Resource Mobilization”. The speakers expressed concern on the enhanced trend of illicit capital flight, black money, and default loan of the country. They also urged for earning more revenue by tackling illicit financial flows rather than dependence on tax specially VAT as indirect tax and bank loan. The virtual press conference was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBD while the positon paper is presented by Ahsanul Karim of COAST Trust. Among others Sayed Aminul Haque and Ferdous Ara Rumee of EquityBD; Dr. Kazi Maaruful Islam, Professor Development Studies, Dhaka University; Aamanur Rahman from CARE Bangladesh; Prodip Kumar Roy from CSRL spoken in the occasion.
Keynote speaker Md. Ahasanul Karim mentioned that the goverment has declared 5,68,000 crore budget for 2020-21 where deficit budget is Tk.1,90,000 crore and that’s why govt. is heavily depending on tax collection specially the VAT (value added tax) an indirect tax and bank loan. On the other hand government is not giving emphasis on tackling illicit financial flow from where huge revenue could be collected As per Washington-based Global Financial Integrity (GFI) March 2020 report, a total of Tk.4,48,000 crore had been siphoned off Bangladesh during 2008-2014 and yearly average 64,000 crore through corruption, bribery, trade miss-invoicing and tax evasion. This amount is more than two times of allocated Padma Bridge or two years of health budget. He also urged (i) Government should show zero tolerance to the corruption, bank looting, earning black money and illicit fund transfer, (ii) Inter-governmental agreement to be signed with different countries e.g. with Switzerland to exchange bank transaction information of Bangladeshi people as well as foreigners those are working in Bangladesh and take legal initiatives to return back the money, (iii) Govt. should replicate different Indian initiatives e.g., demonetization, to arrest black money (vi) Publishing White Paper to disclose on financial plundering and money siphoned off from Bangladesh by different businessmen, politicians and whose name came in different newspapers including in Panama papers.
Professor Dr. Kazi Maruful Islam of Dhaka University said, these are little of effort being observed from state to arrest corruption and siphoning of money, beneficiaries are some high government employees, businessmen, politicians and engineers, whole state of affairs is like a system of “crony capitalism”.
Amanur Rahman of CARE Bangladesh said that while government has lot of rules especially in respect of bank transaction, but hardly able to imply those on rich people. He criticized recent government circular on 100 % foreign investment in e-commerce.
Syed Aminul Haque of COAST said that government should not allow investing black money to the share market and in property purchase. Fardous Ara Rumee of COAST said that tax and process should be made easy so that it will support women empowerment and women entrepreneurs.
The moderator Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of COAST said that it is the poor garment workers and immigrant Bangladeshi workers hard earned foreign currency being siphoned from the country, which is defeat on principles of liberation war and a set back from re-distributive justice. Please download related paper [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Presentation][Position Paper]
Photos
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Newspaper Link
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Dhaka 13 June 2020: A virtual seminar titled “National budget 2020-2021, embankment and protection of coastal population” is organized by COAST Trust and CSRL (Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood) today. Dr Qazi Kholliquzzaman, Chairman of PKSF (Polli Karma Sohayak Foundation) chaired the seminar and Mr Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP (Member of Parliament) and the Chair Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Forest Environment and Climate Change was the Chief Guest. Mr Aktheruzzaman Babu MP of Khulna was the Special Guest of the seminar moderated by Mr Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of COAST. Six Union Parishad Chairmen from Sathkira, Khulna, Golachipa, Charfassion and Kutubdia upazilas also spoke in the online seminar. Other prominent speakers are Mr. Ziaul Haque Mukta of CSRL, Mr. Shameem Arefin of AOSED, Mr. Shamsuddoha of CPRD, Mr Rafiqul Islam of DUS, Dr Mahbuba Nasreen, Dean of Dhaka University.
Mr. Arif Dewan of COAST said in his Keynote presentation that despite of the destruction of cyclone Amphan, government hardly allocated incremental finance for embankment to save coastal people and their crops to promote coastal economy. This will increase further poverty in the coastal belt.
Keynote presentations and participants of the virtual seminar demanded the following; (1) Allocate at least BDT 120 billion per year only for embankment construction, (2) Local governments should be given mandate and budget for embankment construction and maintenance while WDB (Water Development Board) will provide design, monitoring and technical support. (3) Army should be deployed immediately to reconstruct the embankment in worst affected areas like Kutubdia and Koyra, (4) Plan to construct embankment in remote islands where poor people live and are exposed to disaster, (5) Consider other socio-economic issues like salinity management, appropriate dredging and viable economic activities alongside embankment to make coastal areas resilient to climate.
Md. Akhteruzzaman Babu MP said that due to lack of appropriate design and construction by WDB since cyclone Aila, Khulna and Satkhira area are fully unprotected now. Emergency embankment to be built in the area.
Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP said that, there were pre-Apmhan activities to save the lives but we must go for a long term plan on construction and sustainable management of embankment. These should be a priority issue for the “8th Five Year Plan”. He added, such activities should be led by local government with the participation of local people.
Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said government need to follow the Sri Lankan model i.e, coastal afforestation in the either sides of embankments. This could be beneficial for both protection of the embankment and riverine and brackish water fishery resources.
Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman advised to government to make priority of coastal embankment construction led by local government and make it free from construction.
[Position Paper] [Presentation] [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Seminar Video] [Letter to MPs on CSO Demand for Coastal Embankment following National Budget 2020]
Photos
Equitybd observes the International Mother Language Day today in its working areas to pay the profound honor to the Martyrs of 1952 who sacrificed their lives to bring back Bangla as the Mother Language of Bangladesh. The then President of Pakistan announced Urdu to be the official language of Bangladesh that was a suppression and the students of Dhaka University along with the general people of the country came out to protest the imposed decision. They wanted to say a simple urge that without the mother language we hardly can express our thoughts and expression in the best way.
The spirit of our liberation in 1971 stands on four basic principles i.e. democracy, socialism, nationalism and secularism and this was emerged out the sacrifice of the language martyrs of 1952. Giving space to everyone in the society irrespective of class, race, religion and political ideologies was the core idea of this International Mother Language Day.
Equitybd pledged to promote the freedom of speech for everyone in the society believing Democracy and tolerance is the key to achieve this. And to take this oath, 21 February is the best time.
Photos
| |
 |
 |
|
Today 12 January 2020, in a seminar, civil society organizations have urged government to decentralize budgetary resource for sustainable Embankment repair & management in coastal area. They also demand to involve community and local government engagement for effective management & maintenance of embankment that’s already proofed as low cost, save public resources and sustainable in long term perspective.
Seminar was chaired by Dr. Quazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed, Chairman-PKSF, moderated by M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Trust and Key note presented by Mr. Arif Dewan from same organization. The seminar also participated by Advocate Faridul Islam Chowdhury, Chairman Kutubdia Upazila, Md. Sahiduddin, Chairman-Barghop Union Kutubdia, Md. Abdur Rouf-Chairman Kasimari Union, Shamnagar Khulna, Mr. Asik Elahi-President Climate Forum, Shamnagar Khulna, Md. Rafiqul Alam and Shamsul Islam from Hatya and Swandip. Apart many CSOs from grassroots and climate network form different parts of coastal areas spoke on the issues.
Presenting the key note, Arif Dewan said that, lack of essential embankment, people lose their livelihood opportunities in coastal areas and migrating to the cities that creating a new type of hazards for the country. He also criticize that despite WDB (Water Development Board) is a responsible authority for constructing coastal embankment but hardly aligned their mandate addressing the climate change needs and protecting coastal people. He demand a decentralized WDB process at least that ensure (i). A reportable relationship with upazila (sub-district) administration for their work and accountability, (ii). Wider and non-partisan community participation process in planning, implementation and maintenance and (iii). Budget should be allocated directly to upazila and even union level. So that local authorities will be capable for instant decision making and implementation. Such a decentralization will also helping for resource mobilization. Arif Dewan has presented two case study on low cost appropriate technology in respect of construction and maintenance of embankement with local resource mobilization and community participation.
Mr. Asik Elahi said that the pattern and cause of embankment damage is different base on the location in coastal belt east and west part and need to take plan and action accordingly. He demand to form “Coastal development Board” for better coordination to construction and maintenance of embankment. Mr. Shahiduddin, Chairman said that embankment design and planning are prepared centrally based on just hydrological study that has hardly relation with local situation. It should be changed, and it has to be prepared with community participation, as community has the appropriate knowledge. It is also been proved that with local resource mobilization local people constructed the embankment with appropriate technology and also with low cost and did it in quickest possible time. Advocate Faridul Islam, the Upazila chairman said that, we experiencing community engaged embankment management and maintenance as very low cost and instant implementation whereas WDB maintenance especially their tender and contracting approach is very complicated and uncertain in respect of timing for implementation. So that WBD shouldn’t keep the maintenance issue to their hand and need to delegate to local government authorities.
Md. Rafiqul Alam opine to WDB weakness of improper maintenance that causes suffering of people due to reducing height of embankment and prolonged water logging in the different part of coastal areas. He urged to address the issue and request to design the embankment participatory and appropriate height following climate change context. Dr. Quazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed said we have done long term plan despite limited resources, but we have to build this with piecemeal approach from now. If the WDB is accountable to local government then it will also ensure participation of local resources with the people’s idea of appropriate technology. He also supported the formation of Coastal Development Board for better Sectoral coordination.
Please download related paper [Position Paper] [Presentation] [Bangla Press Release] [English Press Release] [short video]
Photos
