Environmentalists have demanded to stop development activities destroying Sundarbans, only mangrove forest in Bangladesh, in the name of development. 

They demanded to protect all forests including Sundarbans. 

The demand came up from a human chain titled “Stop all activities that destroy the Sundarbans” held in front of the National Museum on Tuesday marking ‘Sundarbans Day 2023′.

The Sundarbans are the lungs of South Asia. However, the Sundarbans are being pushed towards destruction in the name of mega projects. If the mangrove forest is not protected now, Bangladesh will face huge losses in the future, said the speakers. 

Architect Iqbal Habib said that Sundarbans is the only mangrove forest in Bangladesh and the only protective charm of the country. 

He demanded to stop all kinds of forest destruction activities including Sundarbans in the name of development.

Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan (Bapa) Vice-President Professor Noor Mohammad Talukder said that for the so-called development of the southern part of the country, not only Sundaban but all types of forests in the country are on the brink of destruction today. 

“We are not against development, but we are against the kind of development which is done in the environment of the country by destroying forests and nature.”

He sought the prime minister’s intervention to save the Sundarbans from the rally.

Bapa, Sundarban Raksha National Committee, Buriganga Bachao Movement, Citizens Initiative, Development Dhara Trust, Ubinig, Bangladesh Kite Federation, Safer Development Foundation, Cidas, CAPS, Sundarbans and Coast Protection Movement, Baul and Folk Artist Organisation, Urban Residents Environment Movement, Hawkers Union and Green Voice organized the program.