The coastal people have demanded special budgetary allocation to improve their lifestyle besides ensuring security and rehabilitation.
They said they become the most vulnerable to natural disasters and they have to suffer much compared to the people of other parts of the country, that is why the government should ensure special allocation in the next budget for their security and rehabilitation.
The demand was raised at a press conference, organised by the Upakuliyo Samannoy Parishad, a platform of the people living in the coastal region, in association with Community Development Centre (CODEC) at the National Press Club yesterday.
Parishad President Altaf Hossain Mamun, CODEC Director Afsar Habib, Chittagong Samannoy Parishad Representative Harilal Jaldas spoke on the occasion.
Absar Habib urged the government to introduce separate coastal affairs ministry for the development of the region.
Presenting the keynote paper Harilal Jaldas placed a 24-point demand, which includes ensuring food security, communication development, increasing the number of cyclone shelters, creating alternative employment opportunities for them, establishing fish processing and preserving industries, construction of embankments, permanent rehabilitation of river erosion-affected people, arrangement of special security to protect them from robbers, introduction of community radio service, reforms in fish policy and law, insurance for them in easy instalment and taking initiative for ensuring quality education.