The global policy and national policy of climate displacement should focus on the rights of climate induced displaced people. It is their right and not a welfare issue. This was stated by Md. Arifur Rahman, Chief Executive, YPSA in a Knowledge Sharing Workshop on Climate Change, Displacement and Migration. This workshop was jointly organized by Parliamentarians Caucus on Migration and Development, Bangladesh National Parliament, PROKAS-British Council Bangladesh, WARBE Development Foundation and FLM Partners. This workshop was held at Grand Sultan Tea Resort and Golf, Sreemangal on 21-22 September 2021.
Parliament Standing Committee Members, Parliamentarians, NGO Officials, Climate Scientist, Government Officials and Youth Representative (Youth Policy Forum) were participated the workshop. This workshop was chaired by Barrister Shameem Haider Patwary, MP, Chairperson, Parliamentarian’s Caucus and Development. Several sessions were conducted on the mark of Climate Change, Displacement and Migration. Parliamentarians were shared their experience, efforts and action of government to address the challenges of climate change, displacement and migration.
Mr. Anisul Islam Mahmud, MP, Chairman, Standing Committee on Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas said that river embankment plays a crucial role on livelihood and prosperity on the people living on the banks of the river. He said if we can prevent the river back erosion then the number of displaced people will decrease and the pressure on the city will decrease.
Dr. Tasneem Siddiqui, Professor, Dhaka University and Chair RMMRU said that displaced people first be rehabilitated in their surrounding area or else the city will have to rehabilitate. And the city will be displaced people friendly.
Dr. Atiq Rahman, Executive Director, BCAS said that due to its geographical location, Bangladesh is at risk of climate change. Bangladesh is a model of the world in tackling the harmful effects of climate change. The Government of Bangladesh has various plans and policies which mentioned the strategies to deal with climate change compensation. Parliamentarian must play a leading role in this regard. We have to ensure all kinds of civic services in the village to stop the overflow of migrants in city.
Mr. Mujibul Haque Chunnu, MP, Chairman, Standing Committee on Ministry of Labour and Employment said that in the current Parliament we are playing the role of the opposition where we can very easily criticize the government and give constructive direction. So we can bringing any private law on the rights of displaced people in parliament.
In this workshop the participants and resource persons participated in the discussion. Md. Arifur Rahman, Chief Executive, YPSA as a panelist of Climate Change and Displacement Debates session said that the global policy and national policy of climate displacement should focus on the rights of climate displaced people. It is their rights not a welfare issue. In policy level to rehabilitation have to ensure the engagement of youth.
In a nutshell, Climate change becoming an additional driver of migration, both internal and across borders. Climate induced migration and internal displacement has contributed against various challenges. To address the challenges of climate induce migration and sets the role of parliamentarians and civil society, this workshop will pay a good role and positive contribution. The two days’ workshop is over with the vote of thanks of Mr. Syed Saiful Haque, Chairman, WARBE Development Foundation.
