By Gazi Mahida Mizan from Satkhira
A cycling rally was held in Satkhira recently to raise public awareness about environmental protection. The rally was organized by the Education, Culture and Diversity Protection Team in collaboration with BARCIK. It began in front of Satkhira Government Women’s College, passed through the city’s main roads, and concluded at the Central Eidgah.
Participants of the event carried placards bearing messages such as “Plant Trees, Save the Environment,” “Stop Littering,” “Stop Deforestation,” “Stop Water Pollution,” and “We Can Build a Greener World.” Other slogans highlighted the importance of trees in reducing extreme heat and protecting communities from floods, droughts and tidal surges.
At the pre-rally programme, speakers included BARCIK Programme Officer Gazi Mahida Mizan, youth organizer Jahangir Alam, Education, Culture and Diversity Protection Team President Imti Jamil, former President Abdur Rahman Nirob, and members Azmira Khatun, Rafid Rahi, Tapas Mondal and Abu Tayeb.
The speakers called for greater public action to address the impacts of climate change, increase tree plantation and build a pollution-free environment. They stressed that environmental protection is a shared responsibility of every citizen.
They also said that widespread deforestation is one of the major factors contributing to the ongoing heatwave. They urged people to plant more trees and take collective action to maintain environmental balance and reduce pollution, emphasizing that public awareness is essential for creating a safe and sustainable environment.