Call to fight climate change unitedly
Speakers at a programme yesterday said there is no alternative but to face the climate change challenges unitedly to save valuable lives and properties as well as to protect them from environmental hazards.
They said this at the leadership orientation for the members of parliament (MPs) on climate change organised by People's Empowerment Trust (PET) and All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) in association with ministry of Environment and Forest and Oxfam International at a city hotel.
Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) Chairman Dr Kazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said united effort is a must to fight the climate change impacts which are destroying lives and properties as well as brings environmental hazards.
He stressed that the government should formulate a specific policy to deal with the climate change and its impacts on our livelihood immediately.
Talking about the major rules of parliamentarians to face greenhouse effect and resultant climate change, the BEA boss said, “Bangladesh is the most vulnerable country to be destroyed due to climates change impacts across the globe. So, lawmakers should be aware of the issue.”
Presiding over the orientation, Deputy Speaker Shawkat Ali said a general discussion on climate changes and its impact could be discussed at any coming parliament session.
He asked the MPs to submit a notice for holding the discussion in the parliament on climate change which has become the most pressing global crisis, especially for the poorest countries like Bangladesh.
KAM Morshed, assistant country director of UNDP Bangladesh, in his presentation on 'Climate change impact: The role of international community' said MPs could put the issue on the table and make it a priority, enact supportive legislation, press for budgetary allocation and oversee its implementations.
Lawmaker Saber Hossain Chowdhury said, “Climate change issue could be turned as a national security issue. So, early response would be wiser for us to fight climate change.”
Abdul Momin Talukder, chairman of parliamentary standing committee on environment and forest ministry; Shawkat Momen Shajahan, chairman of parliamentary standing committee on agricultural ministry; Sayedul Hoque, chairman of parliamentary standing committee on food and disaster management; AKM Mozammel Hoque, chairman of parliamentary standing committee on land ministry; Abdur Razzaque, chairman of parliamentary standing committee on water resources ministry; and Deepak L Xaiver of CBGA India also spoke.
Policy Officer of Oxfam Khalid Hossain, Director General (in-charge) of the Department of Environment Billal Hossain and Programme Manager of its Climate Change Cell Abu Mostafa Kamal Uddin presented three papers on climate change and its impact on livelihood.
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