With the slogan “Strengthen the demand for the protection and justice of climate-vulnerable coastal communities,” a blockade program was recently organised on the Kholpetua River near Kashimari in Shyamnagar, Satkhira. The event highlighted the pressing need to declare November 12 as Coastal Day in honour of those who lost their lives during the devastating Bhola Cyclone of 1970.
A Call for State Recognition
The program, jointly organized by the Coastal Youth Network and the Socio-Economic Development Alliance (SEDA), emphasized the necessity of state recognition for November 12 as Coastal Day. The speakers pointed out that such a day would:
- Advocate for climate justice for coastal communities.
- Safeguard the rights and welfare of millions living in these vulnerable regions.
- Raise awareness among policymakers, development partners, and the public about the critical issues faced by coastal populations.
Coastal Communities in Crisis
The speakers shed light on the significant contributions of the coastal population to the national economy. Despite this, nearly 50 million people in coastal regions face severe risks due to the adverse effects of climate change. These include rising sea levels, frequent cyclones, and salinity intrusion. Many areas have remained unprotected for decades, leaving inhabitants increasingly vulnerable.
They argued that a national day dedicated to coastal communities would:
- Highlight the importance of protecting these areas.
- Encourage coordinated efforts from the government, media, and development organizations.
- Ensure that the health, safety, and rights of the coastal population are prioritized.
Remembering the Bhola Cyclone of 1970
On November 12, 1970, the Bhola Cyclone struck the Bay of Bengal, wreaking havoc on the southern regions of then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Bhola Cyclone is one of the deadliest tropical cyclones ever recorded, claiming approximately 500,000 lives.
This catastrophic event was the sixth cyclone of the 1970 North Indian Ocean cyclone season and the most powerful, categorized as a Category 3 cyclone on the Simpson scale. It remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in human history.
The Event
The blockade program was presided over by Riaz Hossain, an executive member of the Coastal Youth Network. Other prominent speakers included Mahfuzur Rahman, Nazmus Shahadat, and Shahariar Nafiz. They emphasized that declaring November 12 as Coastal Day would not only honor the memory of those lost but also ensure a stronger commitment to addressing the challenges faced by coastal communities today.
A Step Toward Justice and Resilience
Declaring November 12 as Coastal Day is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a call to action to protect the lives and livelihoods of millions of people living in one of the most climate-vulnerable regions of the world. Let us join hands to advocate for this crucial recognition and work towards building a resilient future for our coastal communities.