By Mukter Hossain from Manikganj
BARCIK and the Green Coalition jointly observed International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2026 in Gangadhardi community, across the Padma River in Harirampur, Manikganj, with a human chain and discussion meeting.
Held under the theme “Start at Home to Build a Disaster-Resilient Country,” the day-long programme brought together charland residents, Green Coalition members, farmers, journalists, women leaders, youth climate team members and representatives of Agroecology Learning Centres and Shotobari initiatives.
Speakers, including Professor Mainuddin Ahmed, Gopal Chandra Biswas, BARCIK Regional Coordinator Bimal Chandra Roy, Professor Anisur Rahman, poet Moin Hossain Biswas and journalist Atowar Rahman Toha, called for protecting the charland ecosystem, conserving biodiversity and strengthening demands for climate justice.
Participants also urged authorities to restore the river’s natural flow and protect farmland, homes and charlands from erosion caused by the Padma River. The program was coordinated by Nazrul Islam, with Mukter Hossain serving as programme officer.