TIB calls for review of Cox’s Bazar project

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for a review of a Bangladesh-Japan project to fill sand dunes at Sugandha-Kolatoli Beach in Cox’s Bazar for the construction of a road and town protection embankment.

In a statement on Sunday, TIB said the project is being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and urged the authorities concerned and JICA to ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards before continuing work on the project.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the project could damage natural sand dunes, coastal vegetation and biodiversity. It could also affect natural drainage and reduce the coast’s ability to withstand climate-related risks.

He said sand dunes and coastal vegetation act as natural protection against storms, tidal surges, waves and erosion. Development that damages these natural systems, he added, cannot be considered sustainable.

TIB also questioned whether a proper assessment had been carried out of the project’s long-term environmental and climate risks.

The organisation said JICA’s guidelines require projects to avoid or reduce environmental and social harm, consider alternatives, conduct environmental impact assessments and involve relevant stakeholders.

TIB also raised concerns about Bangladesh and Japan’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It said the project should also be consistent with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

TIB urged JICA and the Japanese government to disclose information on the project’s environmental and social impacts and to arrange an independent environmental and technical review.

It also called for reconsideration of the project and the preparation of a plan to restore sand dunes and coastal vegetation if damage has already occurred.