Human Chain Demanding Sustainable Food Systems and Compensation for Land, Water, and Climate Destruction
On October 29, a human chain was formed at Pathorghata Upazila, Barguna, Bangladesh, to demand compensation for the damage to food systems, land, water, and climate, while calling for their transformation into sustainable systems. Additionally, an awareness discussion was held with coastal farmers and fishermen.
The event took place at Padma Bazaar in Patharghata, Barguna, organized by “Dharitri Rokkay Amra (DHORA), WATERKEEPERS BANGLADESH, and the Patharghata Coastal Protection Movement.
The chief guest at the event was Md Rokonuzzaman Khan, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Patharghata Upazila. Special guests were Hasibul Haque, Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer, and Shawkat Hossain, Upazila Agiculture Officer.
The event was moderated by Shafiqul Islam Khokon, journalist and researcher of Barguna. Around two hundred fishermen and farmers from the coastal region participated.
During the event, various impacts of climate change on coastal fisheries and agriculture were highlighted. Locals are calling for sustainable embankments, incentives during fishing bans, increased rice distribution, direct financial support, updated fishermen’s lists, and encouragement for pesticide-free vegetable farming.
Shafiqul Islam Khokon, a coastal investigative journalist and researcher, pointed out that the coastal people still lack a clear understanding of climate change and its effects. He emphasized the need to increase awareness.
He further stated, “We demand compensation from those responsible for climate change. Land, food, and water are for people, not for profit. Those involved in the destruction of land, water, and climate must provide compensation. It is time for the coastal people to unite.”
Md Rokonuzzaman Khan said that climate change has caused significant damage in the coastal areas, especially to housing, fisheries, agriculture, and human health. He also mentioned that human actions bear more responsibility for climate change than natural forces. Therefore, he urged everyone to step forward in addressing climate change and ensure climate justice while protecting our food systems from its effects.
