Ensure sustainable dev of char residents

National Char Alliance (NCA) yesterday urged the government to form a “Char Foundation” in order to ensure sustainable development of the people living on char (shoals) in the country.

NCA also demanded formulation of a specific development project and “National Char Policy” to ensure their rights.   

The platform, advocating rights of char people in national-level policy, placed these demands at a press conference on “Expectations of char people from the newly-formed government” at the capital's Jatiya Press Club.

NCA in collaboration with Shamunnay and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation organised the conference.

Reading out a statement, Jahid Rahman, member secretary of NCA, alleged that people of the shoals are deprived of their fundamental rights.

“They are not getting opportunities when it comes to education, healthy food, modern sanitation, medical facilities and minimum social security. The government should form a 'char foundation' to address the issues,” he said.

In his speech, NCA Chairman Khondokar Ibrahim Khaled claimed that the government is yet to ensure minimum amenities for char residents, though these marginalised people are playing a vital role in the agricultural sector.

“Many Awami League leaders claim that their government is development-friendly but I don't see any development in the char areas,” he said.

He said that AL in its election manifestos had promised to work for the development of marginalised people several times but after assuming power, the party did not take proper initiatives to protect their rights.

“I think, the government's development projects are only approved for the areas which are regarded as vote banks of AL, and that is why about 10 lakh people living in char areas are being deprived,” he said.

Khaled urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to work for all communities if she wants sustainable development.

Among others, journalist Syed Ishtiaque Reza, Practical Action Country Director Hasin Jahan and Shamunnay Coordinator Sahinul Alam also spoke at the press conference.