National plan must prioritise people, nature

Leaders from various political parties yesterday pledged that no future initiatives in Bangladesh would be taken at the expense of people's lives, livelihoods, or the environment.

They stressed the need for strict regulations to bar any political party from nominating individuals for parliamentary elections who are involved in polluting rivers or destroying forests.

Their remarks came during a high-level policy roundtable titled "Planned Bangladesh and Equitable Development of Urban, Regional and Rural Areas: Political Commitments and Future Roadmap," organised by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said most individuals who destroy biodiversity operate under the protection of political godfathers.

"We must put an end to this culture," he said.

Amar Bangladesh Party (AB) Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju said unplanned development over the past 53 years has taken the greatest toll on national resources.

Zonayed Saki, chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolan, said every national plan must prioritise people, life, and nature.

"Every inch of Bangladesh must be brought under inclusive planning," he added.

Ariful Islam Adeeb, senior joint convenor of the National Citizen Party, echoed the need for strong environmental accountability. He urged all political parties to pledge that they would not nominate individuals harmful to the environment.

"In addition, the Election Commission should ensure that such individuals are barred from candidacy," he said.

He also criticised the tendency of elected representatives to focus solely on their own constituencies, which he said is a major reason behind uncoordinated and unplanned development across the country.

Saiful Haque, general secretary of the Biplobi Workers Party, described Dhaka as a "toxic city" and emphasised the urgent need for decentralisation of development, education, and healthcare.

The session was chaired by BIP President Dr Adil Muhammad Khan. Other speakers included Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna and Ashraful Alam, joint secretary of Islami Andolon Bangladesh.