By Zahangir Alam from Dhaka,
Climate experts, policymakers, urban planners, civil society representatives, and community leaders have called for integrated planning, nature-based solutions, and active citizen participation to build climate-resilient and sustainable cities in Bangladesh.
The call came at a citizen dialogue titled “Climate Crisis and Environmental Disasters: What to Do to Build Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Cities,” jointly organized by Children Watch Foundation (CWF) and BARCIK at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka.
The dialogue brought together representatives from government agencies, NGOs, academia, development organizations, the media, youth groups, and civil society to discuss the impacts of climate change, rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, and pathways toward inclusive urban development.
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Sheikh Faridul Islam, MP, attended as the chief guest. Special guests included Anisur Rahman Khokon, MP, and Kazi Rawnakul Islam (Tipu), Managing Director of the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust. The event was chaired by Khandaker Rebecca San-Yat, Executive Director of Coalition for the Urban Poor (CUP), while Pavel Partha, Director of BARCIK, moderated the discussion.
Addressing the event, State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam said the government is implementing coordinated measures to build climate-resilient cities through nature-based solutions, urban greening, canal restoration, biodiversity conservation, improved waste management, and stricter action against air pollution, illegal brick kilns, and single-use polythene. He stressed that protecting public health should receive equal importance alongside environmental protection and called for greater citizen responsibility in addressing climate change.
Speaking at the dialogue, MP Anisur Rahman Khokon emphasized that sustainable urban development requires public participation alongside policy initiatives. He urged citizens to protect canals, rivers, and other water bodies while reducing plastic pollution and supporting tree plantation initiatives.
Kazi Rawnakul Islam highlighted the urgency of collective action, noting that safeguarding future generations requires immediate measures to make cities like Dhaka more livable and climate resilient.
Presenting findings from a 2025 study conducted by BARCIK and Children Watch Foundation, researcher Shah Ishrat Ajmeri said climate change is increasingly affecting livelihoods, health, income, and urban management. The study revealed that climate-induced migrants are increasingly settling in informal urban settlements, while GIS and remote sensing analyses show a significant expansion of built-up areas alongside the rapid loss of green spaces and water bodies in Dhaka between 2010 and 2025.
Participants concluded that coordinated action among government, local authorities, civil society, development partners, and citizens is essential to promote inclusive urban planning, conserve natural resources, strengthen climate resilience, and ensure sustainable urban development.
It is to mention that among other speakers include: Dr. Lelin Chowdhury, Public Health Specialist, Jahangir Nagar University Urban Planner, Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, BAPA Treasurer Aminur Rasul, Dean of the Department of Environment and Geography, Stanford University, Professor Dr. Ahmed Kamruzzaman, Convenor of the Buriganga Bachao Andolan and Joint Secretary of BAPA Mihir Biswas. Mahbubul Alam Tahin, Chief Executive of the Center for Law and Policy Affairs (CLPA), and Gaus Peary, Director of WBB Trust.