Barguna, Nov 15 (V7N) – Young people staged a Global Climate Strike in Patharghata, Barguna, on Saturday, calling for effective measures to tackle climate change, prevent environmental pollution and protect nature.
The programme was held at the Gol Chattar intersection in Patharghata municipal town, organised by Patharghata Youth Hub in collaboration with Global Platform Bangladesh.
Earlier, a rally started in front of Patharghata College, marched through several streets of the town and ended at Gol Chattar. Participants later held a climate strike and human chain.
A symbolic representation of the Earth led the rally, drawing public attention. Environmental activist, journalist and researcher Shafiqul Islam Khokon took part dressed as the Earth. One side of his costume featured plastic waste to represent environmental pollution, while the other depicted a beautiful, green and pollution-free planet. The presentation highlighted the dangers of pollution and the need to build a liveable world.
A large number of young men and women from Pankhuri Youth Foundation joined the programme. Members of Nabadhara Youth Association, Ekota Youth Association, Shopnochari Youth Association and Tarunner Bangladesh Youth Organisation also took part.
Speakers at the event included social worker Mehedi Sikder, development worker Badiuzzaman Shahed, BRAC NGO's Patharghata coordinator Asaduzzaman, NSS project officer Mahmuda, fellow Akhiruzzaman Sabuj, Pankhuri Youth Foundation President Zakir Hossain Naim and Joint General Secretary Nipa Saha, among others.
The speakers said that although Bangladesh contributes relatively little to global climate change, its coastal communities are among those bearing severe consequences. In coastal areas such as Patharghata, cyclones, storm surges, river erosion, salinity and other environmental risks are making life and livelihoods increasingly difficult.
They stressed that tackling the climate crisis requires not merely promises but effective action and implementation.
Environmental protection, they added, is not the responsibility of any single individual or organisation but a shared duty. They called on young people to raise their voices against plastic pollution, promote tree plantation, protect rivers and water bodies, and demand climate justice for coastal communities.
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