'Coastal communities facing severe challenges due to climate change'

State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr Sheikh Faridul Islam, has said that people living in Bangladesh’s coastal regions are facing growing hardships due to the impacts of climate change.

He made these remarks while addressing a religious ceremony at Damerkhanda Kali Temple in Bagerhat’s Mongla upazila on Friday night.

“Coastal communities are struggling with multiple issues, including access to safe drinking water, sanitation, housing and road infrastructure,” he said.

The state minister said the government is planning to rehabilitate and conserve public ponds to ensure the supply of safe drinking water. He also mentioned that a list will be prepared to prioritise the repair and development of roads in affected areas.

Highlighting employment initiatives, he said educated youth will be provided training and sent abroad to countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, Germany and France within the next one to one-and-a-half months to create job opportunities.

To address local grievances, the minister announced that complaint boxes will be installed in front of Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) offices starting Saturday.

Complaints submitted there will be reviewed by experts to ensure fair and appropriate resolution, regardless of political affiliation.

Earlier, the state minister also attended similar religious programmes at several temples in the upazila.

Local BNP leaders were present at the event.

JU/AM