Dhaka, National Press Club – The final manifesto of the Climate Justice Assembly 2023 was unveiled today during a press conference held at the Tafazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka. The event, attended by environmental leaders, academics, and social activists, highlighted the urgent need for climate action, transparency in climate funds, and cooperation among countries sharing river resources.

Chaired by MS Siddique, private advisor to the Bangladesh Competition Commission and co-convener of the Climate Justice Assembly, the conference was graced by former Chairman of the National River Protection Commission, Mujibur Rahman Howladar, as the chief guest. In his address, Howladar raised concerns over the controversial Matarbari coal power project, which he deemed contrary to public interest. He further emphasized the need to dismantle illegal structures encroaching on rivers and to ensure accountability under the law.

MS Siddique, in his presidential address, urged for transboundary cooperation on water sharing between neighboring countries, underscoring the government’s critical role in managing these issues.

Sharif Jamil, member secretary of the organizing committee of Climate Justice Rally 2023, presented the final declaration at the press conference. He presented the final declaration, in which he identified thematic issues based on the analysis of the harmful effects of climate change and put forward proposals based on them. He said that the campaign organized in response to the urgent demands of the people has made an important contribution to the progress of a larger movement for climate justice in Bangladesh. He mentioned that as part of the value objectives of the country’s Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP), the development of renewable energy and the phase-out of existing coal and gas-based power projects should be planned, as well as the use of false solutions or unproven technologies should be avoided and public-oriented , to develop environmentally friendly, ecologically balanced and climate-resilient policies and strategies requires mutually productive dialogue and partnership between relevant government agencies, institutions and communities. He demanded that the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) completed in the South-West region should be redone with scientific and local community involvement and the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) initiative in the South-East region should be carried out with transparency and accountability.

Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Chairman of the Atmospheric Pollution Study Center (CAPS), pointed out the disparity between the global carbon emissions of developed nations and the devastating impacts felt in Eastern countries, calling for a united global effort to address these injustices.

Other speakers included Md. Shamsuddoha, who urged the development of a “National Narrative for Climate Justice” to address climate impacts transparently, and Sohanur Rahman, who emphasized the need to prioritize the voices of those affected by climate change.

The assembly’s call for action extends to the government, with suggestions to update the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to better address the needs of marginalized communities. The need for effective policies, research-based advocacy, and proper allocation of climate funds to vulnerable populations was stressed by speakers including Raoman Smita and Amanullah Parag.

Following the conference, a seven-member delegation, led by Mujibur Rahman Howladar, MS Siddique, and Sharif Jamil, submitted a copy of the final manifesto to Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and Sharmin S. Murshid, Advisor to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs.

The Climate Justice Assembly 2023, held in November last year, brought together over 1,100 delegates and regional leaders to discuss the impacts of climate change on Bangladesh and the wider region, producing a comprehensive declaration that outlines clear actions for mitigating these effects.

Source: Green Time