There is no alternative to engage comprehensive GO-NGO efforts in reducing disaster risks being
triggered by adverse climate change impacts through proper managements and early preparedness,
speakers said yesterday.
They were addressing a views-sharing workshop on “Climate Change: Disaster Management”
organised by the Environment and Disaster Unit of RDRS Bangladesh at its Haribhanga Office in
Lalmonirhat for the concerned government officials.
Deputy Commissioner of Lalmonirhat Habibur Rahman attended the workshop as the chief guest
with Head of Health Programme of RDRS Bangladesh Dr Zakiul Islam Farooque in the chair.
Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) for Lalmonirhat Abdul Mazid,
District Fisheries Officer Dr Abul Hasnat, District Women Affairs Officer Hasina Parveen, Deputy
Director of the Social Service Department Shamiul Alam and Sadar upazila vice-chairman Masuma
Yasmin addressed as special guests.
Programme Manager of Eco-Social Development Organisation (ESDO) of Lalmonirhat ATM Masudul
Islam participated as the NGO representative in the workshop.
Chairmen and members of Gokunda and Mohishkhoncha unions, chairmen of union federations,
Presidents of the Village Disaster Management Committees, government officials, executives of
RDRS Bangladesh and journalists participated.
Programme Manager (Field Coordination) of RDRS Bangladesh Ziaul Islam delivered welcome speech
and its Assistant Coordinator (Environment) Abdul Mannan presented the keynote paper in the
workshop moderated by Technical Officer (Agriculture) Nirmal Kumar Kundu.
In his presentation, Abdul Mannan narrated various types of natural disasters and present scenario
in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, health, hygiene and other sectors amid climate change and the
efforts of the NGO to cope with the situation.
In the open discussion session, the participants stressed on comprehensive and well-coordinated
GO-NGO efforts in ensuring best utilization of available resources including water to cope with the
situation involving local stakeholders and farmers.
Dr Abul Hasnat said a major part of Bangladesh might submerge within 50 years while 50 percent of
its total land area might go under water by the subsequent 50 years period following continuous rise
in the sea level.
Deputy Director of DAE Abdul Mazid stressed addressing issues like food security, poverty alleviation
and climate change adaptation all together in a comprehensive manner to achieve sustainable
national developments under adverse climate.
The experts lauded the newer cropping pattern “Aman (short duration)-mustard or potato-
mungbean-Aus (pariza)” evolved by RDRS Bangladesh enabling framers getting four crops from the
same land annually increasing crop intensity and food production.
The chief guest suggested for launching comprehensive GO-NGO efforts and lauded the effective
initiatives of RDRS Bangladesh in coping with climate change impacts and improving livelihoods,
economy and life standard of climate-hit people. –BSS, Rangpur
