Coastal region requires attention to the goals that are set to achieve environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resource. In this need, Blue Planet Initiative (BPI) has introduced a project in 2020 under the title“Sustainable development in the coastal areas of Bangladesh”. Assisted by this project, Waterkeepers Bangladesh and Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) are jointly working for community mobilization and capacity building to protect the rivers and wetlands in the coastal areas of Bangladesh. In the line with the target, a day long workshop were conducted on 8th October, Thursday, 2020 at Mongla, Bagerhat. The aim of the event were to inform and to share the necessity of protecting rivers, waterbodies to ensure sustainable development in the coastal region of Bangladesh, particularly at Mongla. The event took place at the auditorium of Tiger Hotel Mongla and participated by representatives of various local organizers, civil society members, beneficiaries, and media personals. Upazila Nirbahi Officer inaugurated the workshop and Principal, Mongla Government College, presided the workshop. Representatives from the Waterkeepers Bangladesh, S M Arafat (Manager, Research and Implementation) were present as a special guest.
The discussion unveils some pressing demands to protect Mongla and Pashur river from land grabbing, pollution and unsustainable suits gates. Participants demonstrated their concern for illegal fishing at Sundarbans using pesticides and poisons. The event was anchored by Mr. Noor Alam Sk, president of BAPA, Mongla Branch.