Climate Change Induced Forced Migrants: in need of a dignified recognition under a new Protocol
Political Economy of Bali Climate Conference:
A Roadmap of Climate Commercialization
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT AND DISASTER VULNERABILITIES IN THE
COASTAL AREAS OF BANGLADESH
Building People’s Agenda on ODA Accountability: Bangladesh Perspective Drowning with Debt or Development
ADB in Bangladesh: Who losses who gains
Our Planning Our Sovereignty; A Review of PRSP impact in Bangladesh
Office hosted by:
International allience
Campaign 2009
27 December 2009 Press conference at national press club
EquityBD Calls Danish Government to release Climate Activists
Bangladesh should quit G77, Lead the LDCs and MVCs
Dhaka, 27th December 2009: Today, EquityBD, a network of NGOs / CSOs in Bangladesh, called the government of Bangladesh to quit G 77 and China block in climate negotiation and to build an alternative alliance with the least developed and most vulnerable countries (MVCs). EquityBD placed this demand through organizing a press briefing in the National Press Club, Dhaka while they also discussed the substances of Copenhagen Accord. Bangladesh should quit G77 and China block which is strongly dominated by the interest of the advanced developing countries like China and India. These advanced developing countries, also the emerging big emitters of the green house gases, often ignores the interest of the LDCs and MVCs. Therefore, Bangladesh, being a MVC as well as LDC must lead and strengthen an independent political alliance of LDCs and MVCs in the climate negotiation.
The press conference titled “Peoples’ Struggle in Copenhagen and the Accord of Discord” was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, while Md. Shamsuddoha, the Secretary General of EquityBD described the expectation and outcome of Copenhagen climate summit. He also discussed the political dynamics of negotiation in Copenhagen summit. Among others Mustafa Kamal Aknada of EquityBD , journalist Kawsar Rahman of Janakanta , Sujan Mehedi of Channel 1 and Ahmed Swapan of VOICE also shared their views and experiences on the recently held climate summit of the UNFCCC. Speakers also condemned the repressive role of Danish government on the NGO and CSO representative in the mass rallies and procession on 12th and 16th December; they demanded release of several hundreds climate activists who are still imprisoned in Danish jail.
Climate Change Talks in Copenhagen and EquityBD participation
The world leaders from 192 countries will meet in Copenhagen, Denmark, from December 7 to 18, to negotiate an agreement at the COP 15 of the UNFCCC to keep global temperatures below catastrophic levels. This level will be congruence with commitment to reduce 40 percent carbon emission by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050 and keep the rise of world temperature within 2 degrees Celsius.
Addressing the summit thousand of CSO (Civil Society Organization), Activists and individuals across the globe will participate that will contribute to draw the attention in favor of poor and developing countries notions towards a sustainable coping of Climate Change impacts.
EquityBD (Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh) also a part of global CSO will participate and introducing the following events in Copenhagen in favor the country Bangladesh to draw the global community attention;
1. Seminar in Klimaforum09, organized by EquityBD, LDC Watch and SAAPE
Copenhagen, 11th December 2009: Klimaforum09 (alternative people summit to UNFCCC CoP 15) global civil society leaders urged UN and UNFCCC to write a new protocol which would recognize the rights to life and livelihood of climate induced forced migrants. The seminar title “ Climate induced forced migrants : in need of New UN protocol”, was organized by EquityBD, LDC Watch and SAAPE and, among others prominent speakers are by Kumi Naidoo Executive Director Green Peace International; Beverly Keene, Coordinator Jubilee South, Barry Coates, Oxfam International; Demba Musa Dembelle of Africa Jubilee South, Cemile Chalmers from PPDA, Haiti Caribbean; Tim Zones of World Development Movement UK, Dr. Ahasn Uddin Ahmed of CSRL, Saheen Anam of MJF Bangladesh and Mustak Hasan Md Iftekar of NGOAB. The seminar was moderated by Rezaul K Chowdhury and paper was presented by Shamsuddoha of EquityBD
2. On 14th December “Seminar with LDC Watch” Copenhagen 14th December: Civil society organizations from least developed countries (LDC) urged in a seminar at Klimaforum09 (people summit alternative to UNFCCC CoP 15) not to divide them selves, they argued LDCs to act together to claim compensation from developed / annex 1 countries. Speakers are urging this in a seminar, jointly organized by EquityBD, LDC Watch, Jubilee South, SAAPE, RRN and MS Action Aid Denmark. Civil society leader Dembe Musa of Senegal, Cemil Chalmers of Haiti, Azeb Gimri of Ethiopia, Aloys of Rwanda, Kong Sung of Cambodia, Alsa Pinto Oka of Timor Leste, Saheen Anam of Bangladesh and Tashmina Netra from Nepal has given testimonies on climate change impact on their countries. Dr. Arjun Karki of LDC Watch moderated the seminar.
3. From 9-16th December “Photo Exhibition on Climate Change Impact Bangladesh EquityBd will also introduce a photo exhibition title “ Bangladesh : The Ground Zero of Climate Change” that will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, 9th and continue up to 16th December 2009, at Purple Hall 1, DGI Byen, Kodybyan, near Central Station, Copenhagen, Denmark. EquityBD has jointly organized this event with the association of CSRL and Saptahik. This exhibition will exposed the scenario of climate change impact and adaptation activities in Bangladesh
11 December 2009 Press conference on national press club
Demanding payment of historical, colonial and ecological debt
WE ARE CREDITORS RICH COUNTRIES MUST PAY HISTORIAL, COLONIAL AND ECOLOGICAL DEBT
11 December 2009, Dhaka:We are creditors, demanding payment of historical, colonial and ecological debt from rich countries, particularly from ex-colonial states; a press conference held just prior of Global Ecological Day (14 December 2009) at National Press Club. Bangaldesh Ecological Debt Creditors Alliance comprising ActionAid Bangaldesh, EquityBD, SUPRO, VOICE, Online Knowledge Centre, INCIDIN Bangaldesh and Bangladesh Poribesh Andolan and other like minded organisation arranged this press conference where Mohammad Shahidullah from SUPRO, Prodip Kumar Roy from Online Knowledge Centre read the key note paper and Gazi Shamsuzzaman, Shawkat Ali Tutul from EquityBD, Farhana Akhter from VOICE, Advocate Rafiqul Alam from INCIDIN Bangladesh and Mihir Biswas from BAPA took part in question and answers session.
12 December 2009, Dhaka: Human Chain procession held at in front of National Press Club, Dhaka. “Bangladesh Ecological Debt Creditors Alliance” have observed the Global Ecological debt day 2009; demanding payment of colonial and ecological debt from rich countries and recognize Climate forced migrants as universal natural person. Bangladesh Ecological Debt Creditors Alliance comprising Action Aid Bangladesh, EquityBD, SUPRO, VOICE, Online Knowledge Centre, INCIDIN Bangaldesh and Bangladesh Poribesh Andolan. Others like minded organizations; Prodip, Jibeeka, RCRV, Protest and Progress Foundation, APRAR have shown solidarity by participating at the procession. The speakers demanded that rich countries looted resources, assets and wealth of poor nations like Bangladesh during colonial regime. For these reasons, we, the poor states are not debtor, but a creditor due to historical and ecological perspective and the rich countries must pay the historical and ecological debt to the poor nations. The speakers were Sanat Kumar Bhowmik of COAST Trust, Farhan Akter of Vocie, Sahadat Islam Mintu of Prodip, Prodip Kumer Roy of Online Knowledge Center, Abu Mokerram Khondokar of BAPA, Shafiul Azam of Incidin Bangladesh, Rezwan Ahmed of Action Aid Bangladesh, Shawkat Ali Tutul and Atikul Alam Polash of Equitybd, Iqbal Uddin of SUPRO, Gulasan Ara Doly of Jibeeka and Sharmin Daizy of RCSV.
EquityBd urged to materialize 1.5 degrees Celsius goal in Copenhagen Negotiation
12 November 2009: A new international agreement is urgently needed to address climate change and it must include robust and ambitious emission reduction commitment to keep temperature increase below 1.5 degree Celsius by 2015-said speakers in a seminar held today in the National Press Club Dhaka. Well ahead of the 15th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC to be held in Copenhagen in December this year Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh organized this seminar titled ‘Road to Copenhagen and Bangladesh Position’ where Secretary, Ministry of Forest and Environment, was present as the special guest. Among others Dr. Ainun Nishat of IUCN, Dr. Asaduzzaman of BIDS, Dr Aminul Islam, Assistant County Director, UNDP; Quamrul Islam Chowdhury of BSS and AHM Bazlur Rahman of BNNRC spoke in the seminar.
Md Shamsuddoha, General Secretary of EquityBd said the new climate deal which is supposed to be sealed in Copenhagen must result the binding commitment of the developed country Parties to limit green house gas emission and to assist countries to cope with the impacts of climate change that we can no longer avoid.
Dr Mihir Kanti Mazumder, Secretary, Ministry of Forest and Environment said, although the strategies of addressing climate change e.g. mitigation, adaptation and support to existing development growth are interlinked but negotiation on adaptation financing and its utilization are specifically important and real challenge for the country.
Dr Ainun Nishat, Member of delegation on climate change negotiation, said Bangladesh is the part of G77 and China block that comprises with 138 countries, which includes developing, LDCs, and the small island countries. ‘G77 and China’ is a heterogeneous Group mostly driven by the interests of the advanced developing countries. But we are always careful to put forward country interest in climate change negotiation. We also have to develop alliance with other countries of similar interests; with the LDCs and SIDS
Dr Asaduzzaman of BIDS said, aside with international negotiation Bangladesh government has been developing its own measures of addressing climate change impacts.
Among others Quamrul Islam Chowdhury, President, Bangladesh Environment Journalist’s Forum ,. AHM Bazlur Rahman of BNNRC spoke in the seminar while Rafiqul Islam Khokon and Mr. Mustafa Kamal Aknada of EquityBD moderated the seminar.
22 October 2009: Press conference at National Press Club
Five steps have been propsoed make it transperent and policticallly participatory
PRS II : Poverty Reduction Target Questionable
Dhaka 22nd October 2009 : Today in a press conferfence EquityBD, a network of civil society and NGOs, raised concern on mismatch of poverty reduction target, GDP growth and resource allocation. They also proposed to translate the document in Bangla and urged the government to discuss this national strategy in parliamentary, with the political parties and in district levels. The press conference titled “ Is PRS II politically pro poor : PRS II a document of business as usual” was moderated by Mostafa Kamal Akanda, while key presentation was given by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, complemented by Md. Shamsuddoha, Sayed Aminul Haque and Dr. Sohel Iqbal also present in the conference.
Sparkers in the press conference praised government’s step for placing the document for parliamentary discussion and declaration that they will go for five year plan after next two years. Speakers urged government to consider poverty reduction as a political mobilization. At the end of press conference EquityBD convening committee members thanks all the participants.
Implementation of the National Health Policy require grater Accountability, Transparency and Functional decentralization of country’s health sector
Dhaka15 October 2009: The implementation of newly formulated ‘National Health Policy’ will not be possible unless grater accountability and transparency of this sector ensured - speakers said in a round table discussion on the Day of International Rural Women Day. In line with the global theme ‘Claim your Right to Health and Well-being!", the International Rural Women Day Observation Committee organized this seminar titled ‘National Health Policy 2009: Rural Women and their Right to Health’ in Dhaka Press Club. Mr Swapon Guha, Chairperson of the Observation Committee, moderated the seminar while Atikul Islam Chowdhury and Mustafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBd, made the key note presentation which highlighted the real scenario of health services in local level.
In a welcome speech, Sarmin Islam Daisy, member the Day Observation Committee said that rights and access of rural women to the basic health services is a critical concern for the country therefore the global theme of IRWD in 2009 "Claim your Right to Health and Well-being!’ is correspondingly important for the country. Rezaul Karim Chowdury of EquityBd said, since 2000 the National Day Observation Committee in Bangladesh has been observing the day to highlight invaluable contribution of the rural women to household food security, development and peace
Member of the Parliament, Mr Zunaed Ahmed said the State should not bypass its responsibilities and obligations as described in the Constitution. He assured that the pros and cons of the National Health Policy and recommendations of this seminar will be discussed in the National Parliament. Another Member of the Parliament Principal Md Shah Alam said, government should discuss this policy with the common mass before its formulation. He also pointed out ‘centralization of health administration’ as the major obstacle of reaching health services to the poor people. It’s an urgency to solve this problem through its proper decentralization to the local government authorities.
Among others Tajul Islam of FNB, Sarder Arif from Action Aid, Shamima Akter and Abul Hossion from Labour Union spoke in the seminar.
16 October 2009: At afternoon a Cultural program is organize by Rupantar, Prodip and EquityBD in font of National Sahid Minar ( click on image to view in large)
14 October 2009: Press conference at National Press Club
15 October, International Rural Women Day 2009
The National Observation Committee on International Rural Women Day Urges Public Health Sectors to Show Greater Accountability to the Rural Women
Dhaka 14 October 2009: One day prior to the International Rural Women Day, 15 October, the National Observation Committee in Bangladesh held a press conference in the National Press Club, Dhaka while they launched country wide campaign program calling the rural women ‘Claim your Right to Health and Well-being!", which is also global theme as well. Mr Swapon Guha, Chairperson of the National Committee, moderated the press conference while Mustafa Kamal Akanda, Secretary of the National Committee, read out the press statement and brief the country wide program before the press people.
The speaker said that rights and access of rural women to the basic health services is a critical concern for the country therefore the global theme of IRWD in 2009 "Claim your Right to Health and Well-being!’ is correspondingly important for the country. In line with the global theme the National Observation Committee of IRWD has undertaken country wide campaign and advocacy events demanding i) more transparency and accountability of the public health institutions at the local level ii) more resources to support services for poor, and vulnerable groups (women and children) iii) Decentralization of management through devolution of authority . They also demanded to establish ‘Community Health Clinics’ in village and ward level and local level accountability of the public sector hospital services.
The countrywide programs includes 1) national level seminar on 15th October in National Press Club, Dhaka, ii) cultural program in front of National Shaheed Minar on 16th October and giving awards to the progressive rural women in Union and Thana level for their contribution to local level development and peace. Among others Sharmin Sultana Disy, Gulshan Ara Dolly, Anwaruzzaman Ratan and Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBd were present in the press conference.
12 sept 2009: Press conference at National Press Club
NGO / CSOs raised concern on the role of Commerce ministry, Geneva and Delhi missions in the recently concluded WTO mini ministerial held in Delhi.
Civil Society urged Strong Country Leadership in WTO Negotiation
Dhaka 12th September 2009: Today in a press conference held in the National Press Club in Dhaka, EquityBD, a forum of NGOs and CSOs, urged the government to strengthen country capacity on WTO negotation. They also urged Bangladesh leadership of the LDC country parties in the forthcoming WTO Ministerial, to be held in Geneva in December 2009. In the press briefing, EquityBD raised concern on the role of commerce ministry, and the country’s WTO mission in Geneva as they basically failed to put forward country’s interest in the recently concluded WTO mini ministerial held in Delhi during 3-4 September 2009. The GATS Mode 4 i.e. ‘free movement of natural person’ for which Bangladesh is fighting since years was basically unheard in the recent past Delhi Mini Ministerial. In the given context of the importance of WTO Geneva Ministerial, EquityBD placed three specific proposals for immediate consideration, (i) Strengthening Geneva mission with strong analytical and negotiation capacities, (ii) Coordination of commerce, foreign ministry and CSOs (iii) Discussion on bi-lateral and multi-lateral trade issues and trade negotiation modalities in the parliament.
Md. Shamsuddoha, General Secretary of EquityBd moderated the press conference, while Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, convener EquityBd made a presentation on the major issues and outcomes of Delhi Mini Ministerial of the WTO. As an active participant in different anti WTO mobilization in Delhi, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury shared his experience of people’s struggle against the trade hegemony of the WTO. Among others Ahmed Swapan Mahmud of VOICE, Mostafa Kamal Akand and Sayed Aminul Haque of EquityBd also spoke in the press conference.
01 sept 2009: Human Chain at capital’s National Press Club
Protesting involvement of WB in the management of MDTF
Role of DFID in Supporting WB Authority on MDTF Management Condemned
01 Sept 2009: Today several rights organization criticized and condemned role of DFID and British Government as they are creating pressure to the government for accepting authority of the World Bank on the management of country’s multi donor trust fund. Equity and Justice Working Group organized this human chain and demonstration in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka while two high-profile ministers of the UK government Mr Doglus Alexander, British State Minister for International Development and Mr Ed Milband, state minister energy and climate change visiting the country.
Speakers from the human chain said that the with the support from the DFID, last caretaker government initiated establishment of MDTF and from the very beginning DFID is creating pressure to the government to appoint the WB as fund manager. Supporting the notion of the DFID the then finance advisor also proposed WB to manage and administer implementation of the MDTF. EquityBd claimed that they have been protesting such role of DFID and they sent memorandum and post cards to Doglus Alexander, British State Minister for International Development to reconsider their position. We though that the British Government will reconsider their position and will help the government in establishing country’s sovereign and democratic ownership on MDTF. But have been informed that being directed by the DFID’s guideline and misguided by country’s ‘donor darling’ consultants ands bureaucrats government is going to hand-over MDTF management responsibilities to the World Bank.
24 august 2009: Meeting and rally at capital’s Shagbagh area
Protesting involvement of WB in the management of MDTF
People’s Protest against the Conspiracy of Establishing WB authority on MDTF Management
24 August 2009: Today Equity and Justice Working Group along with 14 other rights organizations organized a mass meeting and rally at capital’s Shagbagh area protesting the conspiracy of the establishing authoritative role of the World Bank on the Management of country’s Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) for climate change adaptation.
Speakers in the demonstration meeting said that the with the support from the DFID, last caretaker government initiated establishment of MDTF while the then finance advisor proposed WB to manage and administer the implementation of the MDTF. We though the present democratic government will not follow the donor guided ‘trail’ of the last caretakergovernment and will establish country’s sovereign and democratic ownership on MDTF. But have been informed that being misguided by country’s ‘donor darling’ consultants ands bureaucrats government is going to hand-over MDTF management responsibilities to the World Bank.
Speakers said that the government’s Economic Relations Division already drafted roles and responsibilities of the WB in the ‘Draft Concept Note’ on the MDTF. As per the concept note, the WB would get USD 8 million for its job. The WB also supposed to utilize this fund for different projects implementation, which is quite contradictory to the rules of business of the Bank. The speakers argued that why to pay huge amount of fees to the WB while the government is capable to manage this fund. Mr Zakir Hossian, Executive Director of Nagarik Uddog, said the climate adaptation financing should be based on ‘polluter pay and exploiter pay principle’ and we should not accept donor driven policies and guideline in the establishment as well as management of climate adaptation fund for Bangladesh. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Convener, EquityBD said, utilizing this scope the World Bank would impress more privatization and liberalization to the country which may create more pauperization and poverty. Zizaul Haque Mukta of CSRL said that the donors should not question about the capacity of the country in managing MDTF which is around 20 million as Bangladesh is currently managing annual budget of more than 7500 million USD. Besides, Bangladesh has proven track record in managing multi-donor trust fund through creation of foundation. Md Shamsuddoha, Secretary of EquityBd, questioned using the word ‘donor fund’; climate change adaptation fund should not be termed as donor fund; this is not like charity of grant. This should be treated as compensation and debt repayment of the rich countries that they owe to the poor countries for over exploitation of the ecological space.
Among other, Faruk Ahmed of MFTD, Shamima Akter of Aso, Sanat Kumar Bhowmik of COAST Trust and Mustafa Kamal Aknads of EquityBD spoke in the protest meeting.
Right Activists Mentioned Countries in the South is the Creditors
North must have to Pay Ecological Debt to the South
Dhaka, 27th July 2009: Today in a panel discussion titled “Climate Justice toward CoP 15 Copenhagen, Ecological Debt: We are the Creditors” a group of right activists announced that the countries in the south are the creditors and north must have to pay the ecological debt. The panel discussion held in National Press Club jointly organized by EquityBD, Jubilee South, MFTD, SUPRO, Unnayan Onneshan and VOICE. The group mentioned that there are global programs in this regard and they will organize country wide awareness and mobilization program up to December 2009 targeting the Conference of Parties (CoP) of UNFCCC that will be held in Copenhagen.
The panel discussion was moderated by Mohiuddin Ahmed, where Uma Chowdhury, Iqbal Ahmed, Ahmed Swapan, AHM Bazlur Rahman, Faruque Ahmed, Shamsud Doha, Dr,Pias Karim, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Dr.Sarba Raj Khadka and Lidy Nacpil spoke on the historical aspects and contemporary movements on ecological debt in different countries, especially in the South American countries. Syed Aminul Hoque of EquityBd presented the key-note paper and provoked thought on ecological debt from historical context.
EquityBD Demand Transparency and Public Participation in Climate Change Action Plan ( CCSAP )
Rights Group demands revised “Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (CCSAP)” to be made public and Participatory
Dhaka, 21th July 2009: Today EquityBD a network of NGOs and CSOs in a press conference at National Press Club has demanded the reviewed Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (CCSAP) must made public, transparent and participatory. The much talked CCSAP had been prepared during the middle of 2008 to submit in climate change London conference, where British government contributed 65 millions of pound sterling to create Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF). The press conference was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowhdhury, Convener of the group; question and answers were facilitated by Ahmed Swapan of VOICE, Syed Mahbubul Alam of WBB, Syed Aminul Haque and Shawkat Ali Tutul of EquityBD. Mostafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD has read out the position paper.
EquityBD urged international commitment and justice to combat forced displacement caused by climate change
20 June 2009: Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh (EquityBD) organized a human chain in front of National Press Club, Dhaka while they demanded long term planning to save coastal areas and its polulation from weather extreme events and forced displacement.
20 June 2009, on the day of World Refugee Day , EquityBD argued that the current mandate of UNHCR on refugees’ covers only individual who flee their countries because of state-led persecution based on race, religion, political opinion, or ethnicity. The mandate of the UN Refugee Convention does neither cover nor comply the core characteristics of the climate change induced migrants crisis. Considering the notion of justice to the climate change induced migrants and also taking into consideration the article 13 of the 1948 Declaration of Human Right, the international community and especially the United Nations must ensure protection of the forced migrants-the speaker argued. In line with the HR declaration and equity principle of UNFCCC, the speakers demanded a separate, independent legal and political regime under a Protocol to safeguard the ‘climate change induced migrants ’. This protocol could be drawn on widely agreed principles such as common but differentiated responsibilities of the country Parties. In this regard, the climate change induced migrants must be treated as permanent immigrants to the regions or countries that accept them.
Testimony and right of climate refugee: “Give recognition and pay compensation as ecological debt”
EquityBD demands new legal Protocol under the UN for Climate Change Induced Forced Migrants
19 June 2009: Prior to the World Refugee Day, 20 June 2009, Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh (EquityBD) demanded a new legal Protocol under the United Nations for social and economic rehabilitation of the climate change indued forced migrants. The speakers claimed this demand in a press conference at the Reporter’s Unity, Dhaka. Md Shamsuddoha, General Secretary of EquityBD said that that the greatest single impact of climate change might be on human migration. He said, by 2050 the disruptions of monsoon systems and other rainfall regimes, droughts, sea level rise and coastal flooding would cause forced displacement of many as 200 million people globally while in Bnagladesh this figure would reach to 30 million. It would mean that by 2050 one in every 7 people in Bangladesh would have been displaced by climate change. Although the world is predicting the future floods of the climate change induced forced migrants but, still, no policy measures have taken yet to safeguard them; even there is no specific terms and concepts of referring these climate change induced migrants. In this press conference two forced migrants, Md Abdul Khaleque and Mariam Begum from the Bhola Island, described how they forced to flee to the urban slum after losing their all belongings into the sea. Mariam Begum along with her 5 daughters forced to flee to the Shekertek Slum area from Daulatkhan, Bhola. She constantly facing insecurity about her grown-up daughters as there is no rule of law for the poor; as there is no rule of law for the slum people.
Among others, Mostofa Kamal Akhand, Sanat K. Bhowmik and Abdur Rahman of EquityBD were present in the press conference.
Budget ignored justified and equitable distribution of resources among the poor
No reflection of long term development strategies in Budget 2009-2010: deficit in projected revenue income may reach to 15 percent
13 June 2009: Budget 2009-2010 ignores long term development strategies, poverty reduction and local level employment creation- speakers said in a press conference held in National Press Club. Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh ( EquityBD), an alliance of rights based NGOs in Bangladesh organized this post- budget press conference while they criticized government proposal for widening scope of private sector intervention in public service sectors like health, education, communication etc. Although the proposed budget has been said as pro-poor but it’s grossly a charity approach. Increasingly more allocation in social safety nets programs will foster poverty rather poverty reduction, says the key note speaker, Syed Aminul Haque, member of EquityBD.
The conference was moderated by Mostofa Kamal Akhand, member of EquityBD. while Md. Shamuddoha, Sanat K. Bhowmik and Sahadat Islam Chowdhury Mintu from EquityBD among others were present in the press conference..
12 June 2008: Human chain in front of National Press club Dhaka
Protesting involvement of WB in the management of MDTF
Cancel Illegitame Involvement of WB in Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) for Climate Change in Bangladesh
Dhaka 12 June 2009: Today Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh (EquityBD) organized a human chain in front of National Press Club protesting involvement of World Bank in the management of Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) for the climate change adptation in Bangladesh.
The 'Draft Concept Note' on the management and operational modalities of the MDTF proposed WB to administer, manage, supervise and monitor MDTF funded projects. As host of the MDTF, the WB will charge a fee of USD 8 million to recover all direct and indirect costs. Aside with the role of fund management, the WB will execute part of the MDTF; such a dual role of the Bank will create unlawfull space for the Bank to influence over the project design and approval.
Around hundreds of people participated in the protest and chanted slogans to stop WB involvement over the MDTF.
Need long term plan to protect coastal areas from frequent disasters
No more relief, initiate food or cash for work in Aila affected areas
Dhaka, 3rd June 2009: Based on first seven days of cyclone Aila relief work experiences EquityBD and COAST jointly organized a press conference titled “ Need to change mind set and long term planning in disaster risk reduction” in Dhaka Reporters Unity, today. They urged the government and other agencies to stop relief work immediately. They feel it is imperative to drain-out saline and dirty water form the ponds, reconstruction of roads, and cleaning of environment, which should be done through food / cash for work. Due to the prolong relief activities caused lack of labours in the locality, everybody running after relief, long term relief work would develop no work mentality among the people.
Rezaul K Chowdhury, Md. Shamuddoha, Mostafa Kamal Akanda, Sayed Aminul Haque and Sahadat Islam Chowdhury from EquityBD and COAST among others were present in the press conference.
Long term development philosophy and reform in national budget process in necessary for poverty reduction.
16th May 2009: Today speakers in a seminar urged government to set up long term development philosophy along with effective reform in national budget making process. Equity and Justice Working Group, Bangladesh (EquityBD) organized this seminar titled “Our learning from global crisis, long term development philosophy and reform of national budget process” at CIRDAP auditorium, Dhaka.
Dr. Tofael Ahmed and Rezaul Karim Chowdhury (Equitybd) moderated the seminar while Syed Aminul Hoque of Equitybd and Asjadul Kibria of Bangladesh Economic Association presented the key note paper.
In the seminar professor Dr. Abu Ahmed said that government should not go for deficit budget more than 2-3% of GDP. He said that once IMF and WB advised Pakistan in making deficit budget more than 5% of GDP which made the country highly indebted to the IFIs. He also recommend to the government to avoid IMF, WB credit and prepare a small and logical budget considering the domestic resource availability
Mr. Lt. Col Mahabubur Rahaman (Rtd) and Shamsuzzaman Dudu, policy maker Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Mr. Abdur Razzak, secretary of planning commission, Awami League lawmaker and parliament member Shawkot Momen Shahjahan and Monoranjan Shil Gopal took part in the discussion. Among others, Badrul Alam of Bangladesh Krishak Federation, Zaed Iqbal Khan of Krishak Federation, Ahmed Swapon Mahmud of Voicee, Abul Hossain of Textile Worker’s Federation spoke in the seminar.
25 April 2009: A press conference at the National Press Club
EquityBD demanded dropping donor darling consultants from the committee
Prepare Climate Action Plan in transparent and participatory process
Dhaka 25th April 2009: Today Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh (equitybd), has organized a press conference in national press club while they criticized inclusion of same donor darling consultants in the preparation of new ‘Climate Action Plan for Bangladesh’, who also were involved in the preparation of previous one that the government recently abandoned. The organizers claimed that the consultants, who were involved in the preparation of DFID guided ‘Climate Action Plan’ for the country in 2009, should not be included again in the new ‘Expert Committee’ as they serve donor interest and promote donor agenda. This is to mention that the previous Action Plan was opposed by most of local civil society groups and finally government has abandoned, saying that was poorly done. EquityBD hailed the government decision on cancellation. EquityBD demanded that the new plan should be prepared in transparent and participatory process.
The press conference was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury; statement read out by Shamsuddoha, Mostafa Kamal Akanda and Atiqul Islam Chowdhury also took part in the discussion.
07 April 2009: Press Statement on Upazilla Parishad Bill, 2009
Keep Upazilla Parishad out of Parliamentarian’s Interference
In a Press Statement on 07 April 2009, Equity and Justice Working Group, Bangladesh (Equitybd) disapproved the Upazila Parishad(Repealed Act Re-Introduction and Amendment) Bill 2009 that makesUpazila Chairmen obligatory to consult member of parliaments in their constituencies in the finalization of development plans. This bill also makes bound the Chairmen of the Upazilla Parishads to consult with the parliamentarian before contacting to the government departments and ministries for any affair.
On 6th April’ 09, The National Parliament of Bangladesh (Jatiya Sangsad) unanimously passed this squalid Upazila Parishad bill that also gives the parliamentarians sweeping authority over Upazila Parishads in their constituencies. The bill is designed to keep Upazila Parishad chairmen under control of the members of the parliament. Equitybd assumes that this law will destroy the local governance system and affect the autonomy of the local government institutions. For details of the statement on Upazilla Parishad(Repealed Act Re-Introduction and Amendment) Bill 2009 please follow the link
04 April 2009: A press conference at the National Press Club
Require a New Global Protocol to Recognize Climate Refugees as Universal Natural Person
Global Call to Treat Climate Refugees as Universal Natural Person
04 April 2009: Today in a press conference held in National Press Club Equitybd, a forum of NGO/CSOs in Bangladesh launched a global campaign calling the global leaders, including the United Nations, to treat climate change-induced migrants as the Universal Natural Persons. They mentioned that, the major impact of climate change would be human migration and poor people, who are no way responsible for this crisis, will be forced to be migrated. In Bangladesh around 22 million people would be displaced by 2050 due to climate change related factors by 2050, says a World Bank report in 2005. As the Developed countries are largely responsible for historical accumulation of Green House Gases and, thus responsible for climate catastrophes, so they must accept the responsibility of rehabilitating climate refugees. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, convener Equitybd, moderated the press conference, while Md Shamsuddoha of Equitybd presented the key-note paper. Among others, Shahadat Islam Chowdhury and Mostafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD were present in the press conference.
21st February teaches us to be Independent While WB & IMF Make Us Dependent and Chain under Neo Colonialism
21st February 2009: Dhaka. Today the Equity and Justice Working Group (EquityBD) brought out a rally to pay respect to the martyrs of the International Mother Language Day, during 1952 in this day students of East Bengal (the then East Pakistan) lied their life in fighting against colonial rulers the then Pakistani regime to establish the right to have our mother language Bengali as state language. In fact this was first struggle sowed the seeds of liberation movement which gradually turned Bangladesh as an independent country after nine month of bloody liberation war during 1971.
20 February 2009: A seminar held at the National Press Club
Govt. urged not to allow MP’s meddling in Upazilla (Sub district) activities
Call to ratify local govt. commission ordinance
Today 20th February, 2009: A seminar is held at national press club Dhaka addressing the issue of ratification of Local Government Commission ordinance made by last care taker government.
Addressing this issue, different prominent economist, politician and local government specialist made their comments and urged to the new government to ratify and further strengthen the Local Government Commission for sake of country’s development and poverty reduction.
The local government specialist Dr. Salauddin. M. Aminuzzaman professor Dhaka University has said that the local government is heart of the nation for development and there is no place in worldwide where development was possible without strengthening of local government.
Among the participants the chief whip of opposition in parliament Mr. Joynal Abedin Faroque, Rizvi Ahmed from BNP and Professor Abu Ahmed (Dhaka University) and different CSO leaders have made their comments on strengthening local government commission to the government.
The seminar is moderated by A.H.M Bazlur Rahaman form EquityBD and Mr. Mostafa Kamal Akand has given the welcome address and Md. Shamsuddoha presented the key note paper on the issue.
15 February 2009: A press conference at the National Press Club
Civil society urged government, not to involve MPs in local government
Keep Local Government Commission and Respect Your Commitment
Dhaka 15th February 2009: EquityBD and 17 other NGOs and CSOs to day organized a press conference and urged the government to ratify the local government commission ordinance which was passed by the then care taker government, they also urged the government not to rectify / amend the upazila ordinance which has no provision of advisory role of MPs. They shown different pages of past local government review committee report, that both during the time of Awami League and BNP proposed to have local government commission.
The press conference was attended by 17 organizations, which include COAST, BNNRC, RUPANTOR, EquityBD, Prodip, Borosa, SDO, Gram Bikash Kendra, Action in Bangladesh, VDC, Shaplaful, RIO, Prottashi and others. Speakers are Mustafa Kamal Akanda, Md. Shamuddoha and Sahadat Islam Chowdhury Minto, while the statement was read out by AHM Bazlur Rahmain of BNNRC and moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of COAST.
08 February 2009: A press conference at the National Press Club
Government should not sale out its freedom, role of governance to the IFIs
08 February 2009: Today Equity and Justice Working Group ( EquityBd) organized a press conference at the National Press Club while they asked the government to develop people friendly national budget ignoring the domination and instructions of the World Bank, IMF and ADB. They asked the government to give more emphasis on internal revenue generation, domestic production and employment creation so that government could reduce its dependency on external financial sources to invest in Annual Development Programme. EquityBd organized this press conference ahead of time to the visit of World Bank delegation to Dhaka who is supposed to instruct government in the preparation midterm budget framework. Mr Mustafa Kamal Akanda, member EquityBd, read-out the written statement before the press people, while Md Shamsuddoha, Syed Aminul Hoque and Shahadat Islam Chowdhury took part in the discussion.
Interview with NTV on Election monitoring; Given by Convener EquityBD
"Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of COAST Trust and EquityBD has given an interview on election observation, Election Commission and Role of Local Observer in NTV 3rd January 8.25 am, see the video clip. Please note that, COAST has done social mobilization during election and deployed around 5,000 local observer in the coastal district of Coxsbazar and Bhola as a part of Election Working Group (www.ewgbd.org) facilitated by The Asia Foundation. Details of COAST election mobilization activities will be found in www.coastbd.org."
The Open forum for CSO development effectiveness is an international CSO driven process towards defining a global development effectiveness framework for CSOs. To this end, it will bring together, between mid – 2009 and mid – 2011, CSOs and other development actors, including governments and official donors, in consultations and multi-stakeholder dialogues at country, regional and international levels. In an effort to make the process inclusive and representational in Bangladesh from the diverse CSOs as possible, , Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan (BAPA), Coastal Development Partnership (CDP), Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh (equitybd) and Sushasoner Jonno Procharavizan (SUPRO) are jointly organizing the consultation in association with Asia Pacific Research Network (APRN). The organizers are inviting all civil society organizations (i.e. non government and non profit nature of research , advocacy, community, professional and development organizations, etc.) to participate in the Bangladesh national consultation on CSO Development Effectiveness to be held in Dhaka for two days residential basis during 15 to 16 June 2010 at Proshika, HRD Centre, Koitta, Manikganj. Another separate multi-stakeholder dialoguealso will be held on 17 June 2010, 10 to 2 pm at CIRDAP auditorium, Topkhana Road, Dhaka to build understanding and support among official donors, governments and possibly other development stakeholders for an enabling environment for CSO actions. Please download the related Documents 1) Application form 2) Advertisement Bangla 3) Advertisement English
Advocacy activities: Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Convener EquityBD, discussed the outcomes of the workshops he participated from 8th to 23rd June 2009 in Italy, Spain and Copenhagen. Detail
Md Shamsuddoha, Bangkok Climate Talks Review UNFCCC Copenhagen Negotiation:Way Forward or Back TrackDetail
Take action on climate debt in Bangladesh
Online Action: UK, Bangladesh and the World Bank
World Development Movement along with Jubilee Debt Campaign UK and Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh (EquityBD) has launched an online action to the UK government opposing their insistence that climate money in Bangladesh go through the World Bank. You can see more at:
http://www.wdm.org.uk/bangladesh http://www.wdm.org.uk/banglade
Who Will Pay for Coastal Destruction in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh's disappearing island - 18 Dec 09
As the climate summit in Copenhagen battles to overcome deep divisions on cutting global emissions, one place already being hit hard by the affects of climate change is Bhola island in southern Bangladesh.
The island is being swallowed by the sea as water levels continue to rise and experts say at the current rate it could disappear in 20 years.
Al Jazeera's Step Vaessen reports on the plight of its climate change refugees.
Bangladesh's rising floodwaters - 10 Oct 09
Bangladesh could be one of the first casualties of global warming. The low-lying country suffers from many climate-related problems, including floods, drought and river erosion. Al Jazeera's Nicolas Haque reports now from Bhola Island in the South of the country, which is now half the size it was fifteen years ago.
101 East: Aljazeera English Disappearing Islands
Part -01
Part -02
In Bangladesh, local people are feeling the heat of climate change. Once a 250 square kilometer island, Kutubdia has been reduced to just 37 square kilometers within a century and more than half of the population has been forced to leave. And it is not the only island put at risk by global warming.On this edition of 101 East, we ask if industrial countries should be held responsible for climate refugees.
Aljazeera reporting April 2009 “World first climate refugee”
Nicholas Haque basically tried look at the issues of climate refugee, the climate induced displaced people especially from the island of Kutubdia that the island is facing possible extinctions.
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A sinking Island in Bangladesh
The film looks at the south of the country, where Kitubia islands is literally being washed away by tidal surges and storms. details
International Press Coverage on Climate Refugees
Mason Inman reporting January 2009 “Where warming hits hard”
Mason Inman a foreign journalist, visited all most all the coastal area of Bangladesh to see ground level impact, he also talked with expert and analyze scientific data on climate change. He reports on the impacts in ground level, adaptation from different views, including the demand for reparation and compensation. Please see the report title “Where warming hits hard..”
Click here to Listen
7th May: EJWG Convener Rezaul Karim Chowdhury termed the ADB’s climate fund which has announced in recently concluded Madrid meeting as a False Hope. He explained that as ADB’s 36 % project are failed and as it is giving importance to privatization and commercialization of people’s basic services in its 2020 policies, as the privatization and commercialization of the sectors has leaded climate catastrophes in past it will lead the same in future too.
He commented as above while he was interviewed in the Radio Deutsche Welle Bangla Service. He also commented on the present post SIDR rehabilitation activities and people’s awareness on cyclone in coastal areas of Bangladesh. Please listen this in web link.
Click here to Listen
An exclusive interview with BBC Bangla Service about effect of Climate Change in Bhola District
Position on RTI
Position paperof Equity and Justice Working Group (EquityBD) on draft Right to Information Act 2008.
limate negotiation and to build an alternative alliance with the least developed and most vulnerable countries (MVCs). EquityBD placed this demand through organizing a press briefing in the National Press Club, Dhaka while they also discussed the substances of Copenhagen Accord. Bangladesh should quit G77 and China block which is strongly dominated by the interest of the advanced developing countries like China and India. These advanced developing countries, also the emerging big emitters of the green house gases, often ignores the interest of the LDCs and MVCs. Therefore, Bangladesh, being a MVC as well as LDC must lead and strengthen an independent political alliance of LDCs and MVCs in the climate negotiation. 
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December 7 to 18, to negotiate an agreement at the COP 15 of the UNFCCC to keep global temperatures below catastrophic levels. This level will be congruence with commitment to reduce 40 percent carbon emission by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050 and keep the rise of world temperature within 2 degrees Celsius.
Addressing the summit thousand of CSO (Civil Society Organization), Activists and individuals across the globe will participate that will contribute to draw the attention in favor of poor and developing countries notions towards a sustainable coping of Climate Change impacts.
UNFCCC CoP 15) global civil society leaders urged UN and UNFCCC to write a new protocol which would recognize the rights to life and livelihood of climate induced forced migrants. The seminar title
countries (LDC) urged in a seminar at Klimaforum09 (people summit alternative to UNFCCC CoP 15) not to divide them selves, they argued LDCs to act together to claim compensation from developed / annex 1 countries. Speakers are urging this in a seminar, jointly organized by EquityBD, LDC Watch, Jubilee South, SAAPE, RRN and MS Action Aid Denmark. Civil society leader Dembe Musa of Senegal, Cemil Chalmers of Haiti, Azeb Gimri of Ethiopia, Aloys of Rwanda, Kong Sung of Cambodia, Alsa Pinto Oka of Timor Leste, Saheen Anam of Bangladesh and Tashmina Netra from Nepal has given testimonies on climate change impact on their countries. Dr. Arjun Karki of LDC Watch moderated the seminar. 
payment of historical, colonial and ecological debt from rich countries, particularly from ex-colonial states; a press conference held just prior of Global Ecological Day (14 December 2009) at National Press Club. Bangaldesh Ecological Debt Creditors Alliance comprising ActionAid Bangaldesh, EquityBD, SUPRO, VOICE, Online Knowledge Centre, INCIDIN Bangaldesh and Bangladesh Poribesh Andolan and other like minded organisation arranged this press conference where Mohammad Shahidullah from SUPRO, Prodip Kumar Roy from Online Knowledge Centre read the key note paper and Gazi Shamsuzzaman, Shawkat Ali Tutul from EquityBD, Farhana Akhter from VOICE, Advocate Rafiqul Alam from INCIDIN Bangladesh and Mihir Biswas from BAPA took part in question and answers session.
Club, Dhaka. “Bangladesh Ecological Debt Creditors Alliance” have observed the Global Ecological debt day 2009; demanding payment of colonial and ecological debt from rich countries and recognize Climate forced migrants as universal natural person. Bangladesh Ecological Debt Creditors Alliance comprising Action Aid Bangladesh, EquityBD, SUPRO, VOICE, Online Knowledge Centre, INCIDIN Bangaldesh and Bangladesh Poribesh Andolan. Others like minded organizations; Prodip, Jibeeka, RCRV, Protest and Progress Foundation, APRAR have shown solidarity by participating at the procession. The speakers demanded that rich countries looted r
esources, assets and wealth of poor nations like Bangladesh during colonial regime. For these reasons, we, the poor states are not debtor, but a creditor due to historical and ecological perspective and the rich countries must pay the historical and ecological debt to the poor nations. The speakers were Sanat Kumar Bhowmik of COAST Trust, Farhan Akter of Vocie, Sahadat Islam Mintu of Prodip, Prodip Kumer Roy of Online Knowledge Center, Abu Mokerram Khondokar of BAPA, Shafiul Azam of Incidin Bangladesh, Rezwan Ahmed of Action Aid Bangladesh, Shawkat Ali Tutul and Atikul Alam Polash of Equitybd, Iqbal Uddin of SUPRO, Gulasan Ara Doly of Jibeeka and Sharmin Daizy of RCSV.
climate change and it must include robust and ambitious emission reduction commitment to keep temperature increase below 1.5 degree Celsius by 2015-said speakers in a seminar held today in the National Press Club Dhaka. Well ahead of the 15th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC to be held in Copenhagen in December this year Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh organized this seminar titled ‘Road to Copenhagen and Bangladesh Position’ where Secretary, Ministry of Forest and Environment, was present as the special guest. Among others Dr. Ainun Nishat of IUCN, Dr. Asaduzzaman of BIDS, Dr Aminul Islam, Assistant County Director, UNDP; Quamrul Islam Chowdhury of BSS and AHM Bazlur Rahman of BNNRC spoke in the seminar. 
civil society and NGOs, raised concern on mismatch of poverty reduction target, GDP growth and resource allocation. They also proposed to translate the document in Bangla and urged the government to discuss this national strategy in parliamentary, with the political parties and in district levels. The press conference titled 
ssible unless grater accountability and transparency of this sector ensured - speakers said in a round table discussion on the Day of International Rural Women Day. In line with the global theme ‘Claim your Right to Health and Well-being!", the International Rural Women Day Observation Committee organized this seminar titled ‘National Health Policy 2009: Rural Women and their Right to Health’ in Dhaka Press Club. Mr Swapon Guha, Chairperson of the Observation Committee, moderated the seminar while Atikul Islam Chowdhury and Mustafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBd, made the key note presentation which highlighted the real scenario of health services in local level. 
State should not bypass its responsibilities and obligations as described in the Constitution. He assured that the pros and cons of the National Health Policy and recommendations of this seminar will be discussed in the National Parliament. Another Member of the Parliament Principal Md Shah Alam said, government should discuss this policy with the common mass before its formulation. He also pointed out ‘centralization of health administration’ as the major obstacle of reaching health services to the poor people. It’s an urgency to solve this problem through its proper decentralization to the local government authorities. 
October, the National Observation Committee in Bangladesh held a press conference in the National Press Club, Dhaka while they launched country wide campaign program calling the rural women ‘Claim your Right to Health and Well-being!", which is also global theme as well. Mr Swapon Guha, Chairperson of the National Committee, moderated the press conference while Mustafa Kamal Akanda, Secretary of the National Committee, read out the press statement and brief the country wide program before the press people. 
government to strengthen country capacity on WTO negotation. They also urged Bangladesh leadership of the LDC country parties in the forthcoming WTO Ministerial, to be held in Geneva in December 2009. In the press briefing, EquityBD raised concern on the role of commerce ministry, and the country’s WTO mission in Geneva as they basically failed to put forward country’s interest in the recently concluded WTO mini ministerial held in Delhi during 3-4 September 2009. The GATS Mode 4 i.e. ‘free movement of natural person’ for which Bangladesh is fighting since years was basically unheard in the recent past Delhi Mini Ministerial. In the given context of the importance of WTO Geneva Ministerial, EquityBD placed three specific proposals for immediate consideration, (i) Strengthening Geneva mission with strong analytical and negotiation capacities, (ii) Coordination of commerce, foreign ministry and CSOs (iii) Discussion on bi-lateral and multi-lateral trade issues and trade negotiation modalities in the parliament.
DFID and British Government as they are creating pressure to the government for accepting authority of the World Bank on the management of country’s multi donor trust fund. Equity and Justice Working Group organized this human chain and demonstration in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka while two high-profile ministers of the UK government Mr Doglus Alexander, British State Minister for International Development and Mr Ed Milband, state minister energy and climate change visiting the country. 
e government to appoint the WB as fund manager. Supporting the notion of the DFID the then finance advisor also proposed WB to manage and administer implementation of the MDTF. EquityBd claimed that they have been protesting such role of DFID and they sent memorandum and post cards to Doglus Alexander, British State Minister for International Development to reconsider their position. We though that the British Government will reconsider their position and will help the government in establishing country’s sovereign and democratic ownership on MDTF. But have been informed that being directed by the DFID’s guideline and misguided by country’s ‘donor darling’ consultants ands bureaucrats government is going to hand-over MDTF management responsibilities to the World Bank. 
Speakers in the demonstration meeting said that the with the support from the DFID, last caretaker government initiated establishment of MDTF while the then finance advisor proposed WB to manage and administer the implementation of the MDTF. We though the present democratic government will not follow the donor guided ‘trail’ of the last caretakergovernment and will establish country’s sovereign and democratic ownership on MDTF. But have been informed that being misguided by country’s ‘donor darling’ consultants ands bureaucrats government is going to hand-over MDTF management responsibilities to the World Bank. 
k. The speakers argued that why to pay huge amount of fees to the WB while the government is capable to manage this fund. Mr Zakir Hossian, Executive Director of Nagarik Uddog, said the climate adaptation financing should be based on ‘polluter pay and exploiter pay principle’ and we should not accept donor driven policies and guideline in the establishment as well as management of climate adaptation fund for Bangladesh. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Convener, EquityBD said, utilizing this scope the World Bank would impress more privatization and liberalization to the country which may create more pauperization and poverty. Zizaul Haque Mukta of CSRL said that the donors should not question about the capacity of the country in managing MDTF which is around 20 million as Bangladesh is currently managing annual budget of more than 7500 million USD. Besides, Bangladesh has proven track record in managing multi-donor trust fund through creation of foundation. Md Shamsuddoha, Secretary of EquityBd, questioned using the word ‘donor fund’; climate change adaptation fund should not be termed as donor fund; this is not like charity of grant. This should be treated as compensation and debt repayment of the rich countries that they owe to the poor countries for over exploitation of the ecological space.
toward CoP 15 Copenhagen, Ecological Debt: We are the Creditors” a group of right activists announced that the countries in the south are the creditors and north must have to pay the ecological debt. The panel discussion held in National Press Club jointly organized by EquityBD, Jubilee South, MFTD, SUPRO, Unnayan Onneshan and VOICE. The group mentioned that there are global programs in this regard and they will organize country wide awareness and mobilization program up to December 2009 targeting the Conference of Parties (CoP) of UNFCCC that will be held in Copenhagen.
conference at National Press Club has demanded the reviewed Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (CCSAP) must made public, transparent and participatory. The much talked CCSAP had been prepared during the middle of 2008 to submit in climate change London conference, where British government contributed 65 millions of pound sterling to create Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF). The press conference was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowhdhury, Convener of the group; question and answers were facilitated by Ahmed Swapan of VOICE, Syed Mahbubul Alam of WBB, Syed Aminul Haque and Shawkat Ali Tutul of EquityBD. Mostafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD has read out the position paper. 
organized a human chain in front of National Press Club, Dhaka while they demanded long term planning to save coastal areas and its polulation from weather extreme events and forced displacement. 
Working Group Bangladesh (EquityBD) demanded a new legal Protocol under the United Nations for social and economic rehabilitation of the climate change indued forced migrants. The speakers claimed this demand in a press conference at the Reporter’s Unity, Dhaka. Md Shamsuddoha, General Secretary of EquityBD said that that the greatest single impact of climate change might be on human migration. He said, by 2050 the disruptions of monsoon systems and other rainfall regimes, droughts, sea level rise and coastal flooding would cause forced displacement of many as 200 million people globally while in Bnagladesh this figure would reach to 30 million. It would mean that by 2050 one in every 7 people in Bangladesh would have been displaced by climate change. Although the world is predicting the future floods of the climate change induced forced migrants but, still, no policy measures have taken yet to safeguard them; even there is no specific terms and concepts of referring these climate change induced migrants. In this press conference two forced migrants, Md Abdul Khaleque and Mariam Begum from the Bhola Island, described how they forced to flee to the urban slum after losing their all belongings into the sea. Mariam Begum along with her 5 daughters forced to flee to the Shekertek Slum area from Daulatkhan, Bhola. She constantly facing insecurity about her grown-up daughters as there is no rule of law for the poor; as there is no rule of law for the slum people. 
experiences EquityBD and COAST jointly organized a press conference titled 
making process. Equity and Justice Working Group, Bangladesh (EquityBD) organized this seminar titled “Our learning from global crisis, long term development philosophy and reform of national budget process” at CIRDAP auditorium, Dhaka. 
n Dudu, policy maker Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Mr. Abdur Razzak, secretary of planning commission, Awami League lawmaker and parliament member Shawkot Momen Shahjahan and Monoranjan Shil Gopal took part in the discussion. Among others, Badrul Alam of Bangladesh Krishak Federation, Zaed Iqbal Khan of Krishak Federation, Ahmed Swapon Mahmud of Voicee, Abul Hossain of Textile Worker’s Federation spoke in the seminar. 
(equitybd), has organized a press conference in national press club while they criticized inclusion of same donor darling consultants in the preparation of new 
a forum of NGO/CSOs in Bangladesh launched a global campaign calling the global leaders, including the United Nations, to treat climate change-induced migrants as the Universal Natural Persons. They mentioned that, the major impact of climate change would be human migration and poor people, who are no way responsible for this crisis, will be forced to be migrated. In Bangladesh around 22 million people would be displaced by 2050 due to climate change related factors by 2050, says a World Bank report in 2005. As the Developed countries are largely responsible for historical accumulation of Green House Gases and, thus responsible for climate catastrophes, so they must accept the responsibility of rehabilitating climate refugees. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, convener Equitybd, moderated the press conference, while Md Shamsuddoha of Equitybd presented the key-note paper. Among others, Shahadat Islam Chowdhury and Mostafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD were present in the press conference. 
addressing the issue of ratification of Local Government Commission ordinance made by last care taker government.
parliament Mr. Joynal Abedin Faroque, Rizvi Ahmed from BNP and Professor Abu Ahmed (Dhaka University) and different CSO leaders have made their comments on strengthening local government commission to the government.
government commission ordinance which was passed by the then care taker government, they also urged the government not to rectify / amend the upazila ordinance which has no provision of advisory role of MPs. They shown different pages of past local government review committee report, that both during the time of Awami League and BNP proposed to have local government commission.
a press conference at the National Press Club while they asked the government to develop people friendly national budget ignoring the domination and instructions of the World Bank, IMF and ADB. They asked the government to give more emphasis on internal revenue generation, domestic production and employment creation so that government could reduce its dependency on external financial sources to invest in Annual Development Programme. EquityBd organized this press conference ahead of time to the visit of World Bank delegation to Dhaka who is supposed to instruct government in the preparation midterm budget framework. Mr Mustafa Kamal Akanda, member EquityBd, read-out the written statement before the press people, while Md Shamsuddoha, Syed Aminul Hoque and Shahadat Islam Chowdhury took part in the discussion. 
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