‘BNP to prioritise climate and environmental protection in election manifesto’

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) wants to prioritise climate change and environmental protection in the election manifesto, said Dr Mahdi Amin, adviser to the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

BNP will not include anything in its election manifesto that could destroy the environment in the name of development projects, he said while speaking at a discussion titled 'Manifesto Talk: Youth, Environment and Climate' organised at the Department of Environment (DOE) office at Agargaon in the capital on Sunday.

Mr Amin said the green revolution plan initiated by martyred President Ziaur Rahman will be implemented, adding that the party has already undertaken tree plantation programmes to increase greenery nationwide.

He alleged that the past autocratic government destroyed the environment in the name of mega projects and embezzled billions of taka from various projects in the name of development.

Sheikh Hasina's fallen government never conducted any feasibility studies to determine whether the projects were environmentally friendly before undertaking them, Mr Amin stated.

Speaking as the chief guest at the discussion, adviser for the Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Affairs Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the interim government is working to protect the environment.

Several measures have been taken to prevent air pollution and river grabbing, she said, adding, cooperation from political parties is also needed to tackle the crisis.

Leaders of different political parties spoke on the occasion and urged the youth to work together in tackling climate change risks and protecting the environment.

This crisis can be addressed if young people become aware, they said.

The speakers also stressed for including the environmental issue with due importance in the election manifestos.

Manifesto Talk convener Habib Rahman chaired the event.

Center for Participatory Research and Development Chief Executive Md. Shamsuddoha highlighted how Climate Trust Fund money was embezzled during the past autocratic government.

Most of the money meant for tackling climate change damage was spent on various local government development projects due to embezzlement, he alleged.

Mr Shamsuddoha opined that the political parties must ensure transparency and accountability in climate fund expenditure.

The Manifesto Talk-Youth-Climate-Environment dialogue was organised by 15 environmental organisations, including Sachetan Foundation, Brighters, Center for Participatory Research and Dialogue, Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies, Center for Climate Change and Environment Research, and Human Safety Foundation.

Azizjst@yahoo.com