At the inauguration of the newly formed organization-which unites experts, activists and civil society-also the archbishop of the capital. Who recalls how the "climate emergency" has cost a lot in terms of human lives in the country. In 11 points, the work plan, which also includes a role as a guarantor for transparency and accountability on environmental initiatives.
Dhaka (AsiaNews) - "We have exploited the earth's resources too much, without taking care of them" but by continuing at this rate "humanity will be destroyed". It is a call for a reversal of direction and for the assumption of responsibility, launched by the archbishop of Dhaka, Msgr. Bejoy N D'Cruze during the presentation of the newly formed organization Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (Dhora, "We protect the world" in the local language).
The meeting was held on 11 January in the capital of Bangladesh, one of the countries most affected by climate change, pollution and uncontrolled development of industrialization across the continent. It is the scene of extreme climatic episodes and natural disasters every year, starting with floods, in the face of insufficient government initiatives and programs for the scale of the emergency.
In his speech, the prelate recalled the teachings of the Catholic Church and Pope Francis' personal commitment to the environment, care and protection of the "common home" as he defines the earth, in addition to the encyclical "Laudato Sì".
Speaking to AsiaNews, Msgr. D'Cruze recalls how in recent decades Bangladesh has undergone various upheavals in environmental matters and a "climate and ecological emergency" has been taking shape in the country with loss of human lives, damage to the ecosystem, displacement of entire populations.
Added to this are rising seas, increasingly devastating cyclones, salinisation and floods. Scientists and researchers recently estimated that the phenomena have displaced more than 10 million citizens, making the country a bastion of major short-term internal climate refugees.
Sharif Jamil, coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh and member of the Dhora secretariat, highlights that “environmental disasters and climate change have caused damage in different parts of the world. People and organizations need to work together to address problems, and to this end, we created the organization."
The press conference was chaired by Rasheda K Chowdhury, an academic and former advisor to the interim government. Speaking on the topic, you explain how there is "a need to build a great social force" to face "this crisis. Hence, Dhora's journey" to work with activists and environmentalists from all over Bangladesh "to protect rivers and the environment".
Prominent human rights activist Sultana Kamal then added that it is “the government's responsibility to fulfill its duty as protector” of the environment and resources but, at times, it behaves like “a bad boss. A new executive is about to be born, we hope that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated."
The organizers of the initiative explain that the association has given itself an initial action plan in 11 points: among these, the organization of various groups and organizations dealing with the environment for promotion and awareness-raising activities; taking joint initiatives with government and stakeholders to keep the earth free from pollution; formulation and implementation of appropriate policies and laws; the mobilization of affected people and communities; the adequate protection of their interests and the role of guarantor for transparency and accountability. Particular attention will be paid to rivers and waterways.
Also participating in the initiative were the Catholic Ajay A Mree, former president of the Joyenshahi Adivasi Unnayan Parishad, Modhupur forest; Sanjeeb Drong, secretary general of Bangladesh Indigenous Forum; the human rights and environmental activist Fr. Joseph Gomes, OMI.