Climate Change: 'One-third of country may go under water' DU Correspondent

Regulatory Reforms Commission Chairman Dr Akbar Ali Khan yesterday warned that one-third land of the country would go under water if effective measures are not taken to tackle the climate change impacts.

“Bangladesh never faced such environmental and economic crisis in the past. The natural environment of the country is very sensitive. Poverty and environmental pollution create a vicious circle here,” he said.

Dr Khan was addressing a discussion on 'Role of mass media in natural disaster and climate change' organised by Manobadhikar O Paribesh Sangbadik Society at the National Press Club in the city to mark the World Environment Day.

He stressed the need for taking effective steps immediately to resolve the crisis in costal areas due to climate change impacts.

Dr Khan, also former finance adviser, called on all to raise their voice across the globe to realise compensation from the developed countries who are mostly responsible for global climate change.

“A large portion of land of the coastal areas would be salty and it would affect agriculture as we are yet to develop salinity-tolerant seeds suitable for salty land. Besides, there would be an acute shortage of pure drinking water in the area,” he added.

“A large portion of our population would be climate refugees in their own country if we do not take initiatives to resolve the existing crisis,” Dr Khan said.

Former chairman of TIB Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said polluted water is entering our food chain from polluted river water. There is a law for preserving water bodies but no one obeys it, especially Rajuk does not follow it.

He also blamed Rajuk authorities for land encroachment in Gulshan lake.

He criticised Dhaka City Corporation for not playing its due role in saving rivers around Dhaka city from encroachers and polluters.

Prof Muzaffer said poor people of the society are the worst sufferers of environmental pollution.

Television personality Kona Reza, Managing Editor of BSS Azizul Islam Bhuiyan and Awami League leader Mozaffar Ahmed Paltu also spoke at the programme.