The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Rajshahi

The industrialised and richer nations should take effective decisions right now for reducing the alarming rate of global climate changes to save the planet and its habitat from possible man-made devastations in near future.

Discussants made this observation while addressing a district level seminar in Chapainawabgonj on Tuesday and stressed the need for creating proper awareness among the general masses, particularly the grassroots ones about the impact of climate change.

Side by side, they, however, said Bangladesh and its neighbouring countries should come together to ensure proper water management to keep boosting agriculture sector intact, resist the process of desertification and maintain ecological balance and bio-diversity, they added.

They underscored the need for a collective effort of all concerned to address the effects of climate change and to identify the statistical issues of the environmental and ecological challenges ahead and work together to address the issues in an integrated manner.

Ashrai with financial support from OXFAM-GB arranged the seminar titled "Problems of Climate Change and Our Responsibilities" at Chapainawabgonj Town Club Auditorium.

In his address of welcome, Zonal Manager of Ashrai Hassan Tarique explained the objectives of the seminar and how to address the effect of climate change as well as build capacities to adapt with climate change and escape from flood and drought in particular.

Dr Akhter Hossain, Chairman of Fisheries and Aquaculture Department of Rajshahi University, presented the keynote paper with a local college teacher Sirajul Islam in the chair.

Some 60 persons representing various government and non-government organisations concerned and research and other professional groups attended the seminar and gave their views on the issue.

Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture Extension Abdul Quddus, District Livestock Officer Dr Mahbub Alam, District Women Affairs Officer Selina Begum, Deputy Director of Social Service Department Mustafizul Haque and District Information Officer Wahiduzzaman, among others, took part in the open discussion.