Protesters in Ctg demand action against wetland encroachment and deforestation
They urged for renewable energy transition
Transparency International Bangladesh's Chattogram Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) called for an immediate halt to wetland encroachment, deforestation and environmentally destructive activities, alongside a rapid transition to renewable energy sources.
The demands were made during a human chain programme held yesterday (8 June) at Probortok Mor area of Chattogram city to mark World Environment Day 2026.
The organisation also urged amendments to the Environment Court Act 2010, greater transparency and accountability in the environment and energy sectors, and action against those involved in corruption and irregularities within these fields.
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Speakers at the event said that although Bangladesh has various laws and policies aimed at environmental protection and climate risk mitigation, effective implementation remains inadequate.
Mohammad Touhidul Islam, area coordinator of Sonak-TIB Chattogram, said, "Environmental challenges are becoming more complex due to a weak waste management system, ineffective water supply and sanitation systems, and poor coordination among local government institutions."
He also called for good governance and accountability in projects financed through the climate change trust fund.
Committee of Concerned Citizens of Chattogram President Engineer Md Delwar Hossain Majumder said that under the current legal framework, affected individuals cannot directly file cases with environmental courts.
He called for amendments to the Environment Court Act 2010 to allow public-interest litigation and enable citizens to bring cases directly before the courts.
During the programme, TIB presented a 12-point set of recommendations, including the formulation of an integrated energy policy, increased investment and incentives for renewable energy, stricter enforcement of environmental laws, measures to stop wetland encroachment and deforestation, and modernisation of waste management systems.
More than 100 people, including members of CCC, YES, environmental activists, teachers, journalists and representatives of various professions, took part in the human chain.
