On Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 9:30 AM, a “Family Cycle Rally” titled “Pedal for People and Earth 2024” was organized in the capital to advocate for an eco-friendly future by ending the use of fossil fuels and transitioning to 100% renewable energy to address climate change. Similar events were held in various countries across Asia, including Bangladesh, which organized paddle programs for communities and women on the same day. Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA), BD Tourist Cyclist, and Waterkeepers Bangladesh jointly organized this family cycle rally to promote the protection of the earth by eliminating the use of harmful fossil fuels such as coal, gas, and LNG, and switching to renewable energy. APMDD coordinated the program across Asia.
The rally in Dhaka was inaugurated in the morning at Shahbagh. The event was conducted by Mamun Kabir, Communications and Advocacy Manager of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, with MS Siddiqui, Non-Government Advisor to the Bangladesh Competition Commission and Co-Convener of Dhoritri Rokshkay Amara (DHORA), serving as the Chief Guest. Other notable guests included Monir Hossain Chowdhury, General Secretary of ERDA; Assistant Professor Mir Mohammad Ali, Chairman of the Aquaculture Department at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University; and Md. Aminul Islam Tubbus, Chief Coordinator of BD Tourist Cyclist. Also present were Md. Shahiduzzaman Badal, Director of Bangladesh Photo and Tourism Club; Mohammad Ali Rimon, Coordinator of Mirpur Boys Stand Group; Mohammad Riaz, Vice President of Bangladesh Cycle Lane Implementation Council; Swapan Das; and Dhaka University students Abeda Sultana Milli, Costa Rican Rani Biswas, and Anjuman Ara Samia.
During the event, MS Siddiqui emphasized the need to protect our planet and people by stopping the burning of fossil fuels and switching to renewable energy. He advocated for the use of bicycles to reduce pollution, noting that bicycles are still the main mode of transportation in rural North Bengal.
Monir Hossain Chowdhury highlighted the inspiring presence of families cycling to the event, encouraging others to adopt cycling for a pollution-free environment.
Mir Mohammad Ali expressed concern about the government’s ongoing commitment to fossil fuels despite the Paris Agreement, citing the construction of coal-based power plants in sensitive areas. He called for the creation of separate bicycle lanes to reduce accidents and encourage cycling, essential for tackling climate change through reduced pollution.
Md. Aminul Islam Tubbus also stressed the need for safe roads and government-implemented cycle lanes to promote bicycle use and eliminate fossil fuels.
Mamun Kabir reiterated the importance of switching to 100% renewable energy to combat climate change. He urged the government to ensure this transition and promote bicycle use for the benefit of families, communities, and the planet. After the opening ceremony, the family cycle rally proceeded from Shahbagh, touring various roads of Dhaka University, and concluded at the Central Shaheed Minar. Hundreds of cyclists participated with their families, and the organizers awarded Anwar Hossain Rum’s family as the best cyclists for participating with all family members.
The event called for government support to create safe cycling opportunities and ensure the use of 100% renewable energy, eliminating harmful fossil fuels. Similar rallies were held the same day in Kuakata, Patuakhali, Patharghata, Barguna, Mongla, Bagerhat, and Pekua, Cox’s Bazar, organized by Dhorotri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA) and Waterkeepers Bangladesh with the same demands.