By Suparna Mitra, from Khulna
BARCIK organized the inception meeting of its new project, “Environmental Human Rights for a Just Transition: Strengthened Local CSOs Transforming Climate Hotspots into Resilient Communities (ENGAGE),” co-funded by the EU and NETZ-Bangladesh. The event was held at the Koyra Upazila Parishad Hall room and brought together 52 participants (13 women and 39 men), including government officials, CSO members, journalists, students, and community representatives.
The meeting introduced the project’s objectives, expected outcomes, and implementation strategies, with a focus on collaboration, awareness-raising, and community participation. Project Coordinator Mahabubur Rahman emphasized that ENGAGE aims to empower local CSOs and protect environmental human rights to ensure safe, clean, climate-resilient, and dignified lives for vulnerable communities.
Participants actively engaged in discussions, sharing perspectives on climate challenges, community mobilization, and media involvement. Mr. Shariful Alam, President of Koyra Upazila Press Club, noted that the project’s rights-based and awareness-focused activities will play a vital role in defending the environmental rights of climate-affected communities. He added, “I believe the ENGAGE project is a strong initiative that will raise public awareness.”
Local journalists, including Mohammad Rashedul Ali of national daily Jugantor and Mr. Moniruzzaman of the Dainik Amader shomoy, appreciated the project’s inclusive approach and welcomed the promise of continuous engagement and training. Shraboni Mondal, a CSO member from Kshatriya Para, Ward No. 3, Koyra Union, shared her experiences with BARCIK and outlined the CSO’s expected role in the community. Several community members highlighted the importance of rights-based work and awareness campaigns.
The meeting concluded with remarks from Md. Abdullah Al-Baki, UNO of Koyra, who assured full administrative support and stressed the need for coordinated efforts between government agencies and NGOs to address climate vulnerabilities.
The inception meeting received extensive media coverage, reflecting strong local interest and commitment to protecting environmental human rights and building climate-resilient communities.
