2nd Climate Justice Assembly kicks off in Dhaka

The two-day 2nd Climate Justice Assembly 2024, organised by Dhoritree Rokkhay Amara (DHORA), began today (7 December) at the Liberation War Museum Auditorium in Dhaka.

Social Welfare Adviser Sharmin S Murshid inaugurated the event and Dr Muzibur Rahman Howlader, convener of the organising committee, presided over the ceremony while Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar attended as the guest of honour.

Addressing the event Adviser Sharmin S Murshid said, "If we cannot prevent climate change, this change will destroy civilisation. This government is committed to taking necessary steps to address the crisis, ensuring environmental protection, and enforcing laws to save our rivers."

"This government will take necessary steps to address the climate crisis. This government wants the country to be a green country. We will enforce laws to protect the environment and rivers," she said.

Adviser Farida Akhtar highlighted the severe impact of climate change on agriculture, noting a decline in Hilsa fish eggs due to erratic rainfall and river encroachments.

"We need to give importance to agriculture rather than industrial production. Then these will play a role in addressing our food crisis. The use of fossil fuels will only bring harm to us. Therefore, we must convert to renewable energy for a sustainable future," said Adviser Farida.

Keynote speaker Lidy Nacpil, coordinator of APMDD Philippines, stressed the global economic pressures caused by climate change, particularly in the Global South.

She called for stronger efforts to secure funding for climate adaptation, criticizing COP29 for its failure to meet financial goals.

Jalal Ahmed, chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission; Professor Dr Mohammad Zahirul Haque, vice-chancellor of Metropolitan University; Md Shamsuddoha, chief executive of CPRD; Shahriar Ahmed Chowdhury, chairman of CRESL and Rabeya Begum, executive director of SDS were, among others, present.