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
Dhaka 04 July 2010: Opinion sharing meeting at national press club
Rights groups criticize government investment plan in power sector
Privatization in Power Sector May Lead to More Public Debts and Poverty
Dhaka, 4th July 2010. Today in an opinion sharing meeting held at press club, organized by different network of rights group criticized government policy that have created space of investment for the private sector, foreign companies in power sector. They mentioned that in view of other Asian country experiences it may create more public debts and increase disparity in society. The meeting was jointly organized by Action Aid, EquityBD, Jubilee South, SUPRO, MFTD, Unnayan Onneshan and VOICE. Ms. Lidy Nacpil of Jubilee South narrated her experience from Philippines, and Syed Aminul Haque of EquityBD gave analysis on Bangladesh situation in this regard. The meeting was moderated by Rashed Al Titumir of Unnayan Onneshan, while Md. Shamsuddoha of EquityBD, Faruque Ahmed from MFTD and Farjana Akther of VOICE also spoke in the occasion.
Dhaka 17 June 2010: A seminar held in the CIRDAP Auditorium
Multi stakeholder Consultation
Development of freethinking CSOs is inevitable for making Development Effective
Dhaka 17 June 2010: Today in a seminar held in the CIRDAP Auditorium, Dhaka leaders of the civil society organizations argued for creating an enabling environment for the progression of freethinking civil society organizations. They said that CSO should develop its effectiveness through maintaining some common standards and principles of accountability and transparency in its work and governance. Such an approach of CSO effectiveness ultimately will complement to the development effectiveness, speakers said in the seminar.
Prior to holding the seminar, in a two day workshop, representatives from around 85 CSOs discussed the strength, weakness, opportunities and threats of the CSO to be emerged as an effective as well as complementary development actor to benefit the poor and marginalized people while upholding its own diversity, complementary of instruments, policies and actions. This workshop also identified a set of actions to make CSOs more effective and accountable to the society. EquityBd, SUPRO, BAPA and CDP jointly organized both the seminar and workshop. Dr Abdul Matin of BAPA chaired the seminar; Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of Equitybd presented workshop outcomes while Prof Muzaffar Ahmed spoke in the seminar as chief guest.
Among others, Meher Afroze Chumki, M P and Chairman Parliamentary Standing Committee to the ministry of children and women affairs, NGO Bureau DG Mustak Hasan Mahmud, Bo Sundstorm, Aid Effectiveness Adviser to DFID Bangladesh, Maria Theresa Lauren of Asia Pacific Research Network, Anil Singh of South Asian Network for Sustainable Agricultural Development, Sirin Akter of Karmojibi Nari, Syeda Rizwana Hasan of BELA, Advocate Salma Ali of BNWLA, Shahin Anam of Manusher Jonnyo, and Golam Mortuza of Saptahiki were present and spoke in the seminar.
Maria Theresa Lauren of Asia Pacific Research Network and Anil Singh of South Asian Network for Sustainable Agricultural Development also spoke in the seminar.
12 th June 2010: A press conference held at National Press Club
Integration of climate adaptation and agriculture has been neglected in Budget 2010-11
Budget might increase class and income differences
Dhaka, 12th June 201: Speakers expressed their worries in a post budget press conference saying that this year budget would increase class and income disparity instead of reducing the burden of poverty on the most of the population including the poor. The press conference was held today at the national press club in the city jointly organized by civil society organizations and social movement groups namely Equity and Working Justice Group, VOICE, Bangladesh Krishok Federation and La via Campesina-Bangladesh. Among others, Rezaul Karim Choudhury of EquityBD, Ahmed Swapan of VOICE, Badrul Alam of La Via Campesina-Bangladesh, and Ziad Iqbal Kahn of Krishok Federation spoke in the occasion.
Speakers mentioned that integration of climate adaptation in the total budget has been neglected. They also expressed concerns that the budget had not given sufficient importance on resource distribution mechanism, thus this budget might result more poverty and marginalization enhancing the existing nature of income differences. The press conference was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury while the presentation was given by Sayed Aminul Haque.
06th June 2010: A press conference held at National Press Club
Bangladesh National Consultations 14th to 17th June, 2010
Civil Society Organizations are in World Wide Process to Set Principles on their Own Development Effectiveness
Dhaka, 6th June 2010. Today in a press conference held at National Press Club, Dhaka, leaders from BAPA, CDP, EquityBD and SUPRO announced the date and process on Bangladesh National Consultation on open forum on civil society organization (CSO)’s development effectiveness. This is a part of global dialogue process which was initiated after the Accra Conference on aid effectiveness that held during 2008, being lead by 25 international civil society organizations which includes, AFRODAD, ANND CONCORD, CIVICUS, ACT, CIDSE, Plan and Care International etc. In Asia Pacific the dialogues being facilitated by Asia Pacific Research Network (APRN). The process will be culminated in 2011 at Korea during fourth high level forum on aid effectiveness. The press conference was moderated by Dr. Abdul Matin of BAPA. Mostafa Kamal Akanda and Rezaul Karim Chowdury of EquityBD/COAST, Jahangir Hossain Masum of CDP and Iqbal Uddin of SUPRO have spoken on the occasion.
30 May 2010 Human chain in front of National Press club
Civil society condemn EU and other donors attitude to the climate suffers in Bangladesh
No to the technical assistance of WB in climate fund
Dhaka, 30th May 2010: Today in a rally and human chain, civil society and non government organizations condemned EUs sponsored on going Asia Conference on Global Climate Change Alliance as a mere talk show, they also criticized EU and UK pressure on government to accept World Bank technical assistance in the climate change fund. The rally was participated by twelve organization led by EquityBD while they placed twelve demands which include compensation of carbon debt from developed countries, participation of civil society and climate victims in climate fund management, creation of separate and independent foundation for climate fund management, immediate construction of embankment in Satkhira and other coastal area and declaration of 30 million Bangladeshi climate migrants as universal natural person and accept their access in developed countries.
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Convener of EquityBD in his speech mentioned that in the name of technical assistance in fact World Bank will manage the climate fund, Bangladesh has the example of managing foreign fund successfully especially in PKSF and IDCOL. Thus the involvement of the Bank, even as the provider of technical assistance is suicidal.
Atikul Islam Chowdhury of EquityBD, Tusar Rahman of Citizen Rights Movement , Mohiuddin Ahmed Munir of La Via Campesina Bangladesh, Ziad Iqbal Khan of Bangladesh Krishok Federation also Spoke on the issue The rally was moderated by Mostafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD,
Climate change trust fund act of government being criticized
Civil Society demands democratic ownership in local climate fund management
Dhaka, 27th May 2010. Today in a seminar held at national press club, Dhaka the civil society organizations expressed worries on the transparency and accountability mechanisms in the implementation of Climate Change Trust Fund (CCTF) of the government of Bangladesh, as it is overwhelmingly controlled by Bureaucrats and Ministries. They demanded to implant democratic principles in the governance of the CCTF through ensuring wider scope of participation of the climate victims, local government representatives and civil societies. The seminar titled “Government’s Funding for Climate Change: Bureaucratic or Democratic Ownership?” organized by EquityBD and CSRL, the two campaign coalitions of NGOs and civil society organization. The seminar was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, while Md Shmasuddoha of EquityBD made the keynote presentation.
Dr. Rashid E Mahbub or National Health Right Campaign, Tusar Rahman of Citizen Rights Movement, Faroque Ahmed of Media Foundation for Trade and Development, Syed Mahbub Alam of WBB Trust, Nasimul Haque of CDMP-UNDP, Mohammed Ali of Bangladesh Trade Union Center, Zakir Hossain of Nagorik Uddogue, Golam Mortoza of Shaptahik, Ziaul Haque Mukta of Oxfam GB and Retired Lieutenant General Mahbubur Rahaman of BNP spoke in the seminar.
Both the government and opposition leaders opined to work together
Country require a holistic energy policy integrating all potential sources
Dhaka, 15 May 2010. No issue is more vital to country’s economic growth than its ability to secure clean and alternative energy sources as the current fossil fuel based energy sources are being considered as the main driver of global warming and climate change, moreover the stocks of fossil fuel are running out and becomes politically and economically costly. Speakers and policy maker of the political parties commented unanimously in an EquityBD organized seminar title “Fossil fuel less economy and national budget 2010-11” held at the Press Club Dhaka today at 10.30 am .
(Rtd) Subid Ali Bhuiyan MP said attaining energy security is the top priority of the current government. If we can not meet the increasing energy demand the country would suffer slow economic growth. Whip of the opposition in the parliament BNP policy maker Mr Joinul Abedin Faruque said to make country energy secure all the political parties should work together to develop a long term energy policy on the basis of country’s potential energy sources like solar, wind etc. BNP lawmaker and adviser to the BNP Chairperson Shamsuzzaman Dudu said energy crisis is nothing new for Bangladesh. But in the recent years people have been suffering most out of energy crisis but we are not taking appropriate policy measures to address the issue, we are blaming each other, which should not the attitude of the people’s representatives.
Chief Guest to the Seminar Dr Quazi Kholikuzzaman said presently, although, country’s major critical concerns are to attain food security and water security, but these could not be achieved unless we could achieve energy security. Attempting to develop an energy policy is a critical task; reduced energy consumption for poor countries would reduce human security, increase poverty and threaten food security- he added. He emphasizes development of a holistic energy policy through integrating all potential energy sources, including the renewable ones.
the key note paper was presented by Syed Aminul Hoque while Mustafa Kamal Akanda and Md.Shamsuddoha of EquityBD moderated and summarized the discussion. Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Agriculture Ministry Shawkot Momen Shahjahan MP; Emranul Haq Chowdhury of UDDIPAN, and Atikul Islam Chowdhury of COAST also spoke in the seminar.
04 May 2010 Human chain in front of National Press club
Protest against ADB’s role on privatization during its 43rd Annual Governors Meeting
ADB’s Role in Privatization of Services would create ‘state of inhumanity’ in peoples’ life
Today, an alliance of ten rights organizations, organized a protest demonstration and human chain against the role of the IFIs, especially of the ADB, in the privatization of essential services The rights group includes AMKS, DORA, EquityBD, LEAD Trust , LaVia Campesina Bangladesh, MFTD, Online Knowledge Center , PRADIP, POTHIKRITE, PRANTIC and RCSV.
The alliance, led by Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh, organized this protest in front of the National Press Club, Dhaka during 43rd Annual Governors Meeting of ADB in Taskent, Uzbekistan as this meeting highlighted the major role of the ADB in privatizing water, power, and other essential services in the region. The rights group across Asia declared May 4 as the Asian Day of Action against Privatization of Essential Services and organized similar protest actions also in the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and Pakistan while they raised critique and opposed ADB’s role in the privatization of essential services.
In a written press statement, secretary general of EquityBD, Md Shmasuddoha, said that ADB and allied international financial institutions are trying to promote corporatization and commercialization of essential service sector sector, especially commercialization of health, agriculture, energy and water sector. Among other Mustafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD , Firoze Ahmed of Lead Trust , Fayed Ahmed of POTHIKRITE also spoke on the occasion .
28 April 2010 Human chain in front of National Press club
Civil society termed official SAARC as mere talk shop, they demand
No Bar No Fences between Countries Visa Free South Asia: SAARC towards a People’s Union
Dhaka, 28 April 2010: On day of inauguration of the 16th SAARC summit in Bhutan, the People’s SAARC Bangladesh Chapter, a coalition of civil society groups in Dhaka, demanded visa free South Asia on the way forward to People’s Union in the region. They also circulated a written statement with sixteen point demands, which includes- immediate operation and revision of SAARC food bank aiming to feed all hungry people of the region; turning the SAARC Development Bank as alternative to World Bank and ADB; no imposition of uniformity and to uphold diversity of the nations; condemning militarism and terrorism as both are peoples’ enemy etc.
The alliance comprises with different rights organization raised demand through organizing a human chain and rally in front of national press club. They termed SAARC a mere talk shop as this regional association has failed to fulfill the aspiration of common people of South Asia. They demanded changes in SAARC Charters to accommodate dialogue on crucial bilateral and multilateral issues. Representatives of rights organizations who delivered speech from the human chain includes Mustafa Kamal Akanda of Jubilee South, Noman Ahmed Khan of IED, Omar Tarek Chowdhury and Shamsul Alam Sajjan of BNPS, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury and Shamsuddoha of EquityBD, Monju Rani Pramanik of SUPRO, Faisal Bin Majid of SAAPE, Abdul Quader Hazari of Arpon and Nazrul Islam Dali of Soha.
Participation of Equitybd in the Peoples’ SAARC Summit in Delhi
On the eve of the 16th SAARC Summit to be held in Thimpu, Bhutan on 28 - 29 April 2010, the South Asian CSO leaders are organizing Peoples’ SAARC summit in Delhi on 23 & 24 April 2010. In this context Peoples’ SAARC Bangladesh Chapter has organized several events in Dhaka, which includes- press conference on 17 April, cultural Program on 18 April and National Seminar on 19 April. From these events CSO leaders in Bangladesh called the South Asian Governments to bring out SAARC from the grip of bureaucracy and make the SAARC for the well-being of the common people of the South Asia. They also demanded Visa Free South to foster solidarity and people-to-people contact. CSO leader from Bangladesh, including representative from EquityBD, are also participating in the Peoples’ SAARC Summit in Delhi.
Besides, EquityBD has developed several policies brief on the emerging common issues of the South Asian countries; ;
Please find the policy breifs at below
Download the policy brief
SAARC agriculture perspective 2020: Require a participatory road map
Civil society envisions political leadership to make SAARC Pro People
Bring-out SAARC from the Grip of Bureaucracy
Dhaka, 19 April 2010: Today in a seminar held in CIRDAP Auditorium Dhaka, People’s SAARC Bangladesh National Committee, a coalition of right groups called on the governments of the South Asian countries to bring-out SAARC from the corridor of bureaucracy and make the SAARC effective in the promotion of the welfare of South Asian common people. On the eve of the 16th SAARC Summit to be held in Bhutan on 28 and 29 April, alliance also urged the South Asian government to promote people-to-people contacts on a larger scale through developing South Asia a ‘visa-free region along with a free trade regime”. Dr. Rashid E Mahbub, Chairperson of Peoples’ SAARC Bangladesh National Committee, chaired; while Rokeya Kabir moderated the seminar.
Md Shamsuddoha of EquityBD, made the keynote presentation in the seminar. said, two and a half decade ago SAARC was launched with a common vision to promote regional co-operation that, basically, represents the hopes and aspiration of all common people of the region. Among other Editor Syamol Dutta , Mr. M.A Mannan, former state Minster of the Government of Bangladesh and BNP lawmaker, Shawkat Momen Sajahan MP, Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture Ministry, KM Jahnagir, former state Minster of the Government of Bangladesh and Awami League lawmaker , Minar Pimple, of UN Millennium Campaign spoke on the occation . while the members of the coalition includes ACD, BNPS, EquityBD, IED, INCIDIN Bangladesh, SAAPE, SUPRO, Jubilee South-APMDD, SANGAT and Unnayan Anneshan present there. The seminar were also spoken and attended by Noman Ahmed Khan, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Mustafizur Rahman, Omar Tarek Chowdhury and Mustafa Kamal Akhanda.
17 April 2010 Press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity
Civil society criticized SAARC for failure
Visa Free South Asia for People’s Liberty
Dhaka, 17th April 2010: Today Bangladesh National Committee on People’s SAARC, a coalition of civil society right groups announced three-day programs in a press conference held at Dhaka Reporters Unity. On the eve of the 16th SAARC Summit to be held in Bhutan on 28 and 29 April, this coalition outlined its three-day program that includes several people’s events to raise civil society voices to be herd in the official SAARC process. Through this press conference, this coalition demanded visa free South Asia for greater South Asian integration embedded with peace, harmony and well-being of the common people of the South Asian countries. They also criticized official SAARC process as it has failed to respond the common aspirations of the South Asian people. The press conference was chaired and moderated respectively by the committee convener Dr. Rashid E Mahbub and Rokeya Kabir, while Rezaul Karim Chowdhury read-out the written statement, Mohiuddin Ahmed spoken about the prospect of forming People Union of South Asia, especially in respect of eradicating poverty in using common natural resources.
08 April 2010 Press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity
Democracy in a Global World
8th April 2010: Today a press conference was held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, Conference Hall titled "Democracy in a Global World" at 11am -12noon which was jointly organized by "Give your Vote" and "Equitybd". to
lunch a month long campaign titled “Use a Vote”.
It is a campaign for a more democratic world that offers Bangladeshis a chance to vote in the 2010 General UK elections. The position paper was presented in English by Clemmie James form ‘Give Your Vote’ and in Bangla by Atiqul Chowdhury from ‘Use a UK Vote’. The conference was moderated by Mustafa Kamal Akanda from Equity and Justice Working group.
15 March 2010 human chain and rally in front of the National Press Club
Bangladesh Sovereign Authority on MDTF demanded
Europeaon Union Position on MDTF is Neo Colonial
Dhaka, 15 March 2010. Today, an alliance of twenty rights organizations, led by EquityBD, criticized a recent statement of the Ambassador of the European Union, Mr. Stefan, while he suggested the World Bank to manage the country’s Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) on a temporary basis. The alliance also condemned the EU for imposing conditionality to include the WB in the management of MDTF. They termed EU position on MDTF as neo-colonial as they have been consistently pushing Bangladesh to accept World Bank to manage the multi donor trust fund. The rights organizations expressed such views through organizing human chain and rally in front of the National Press Club. Mostafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD moderated the rally while, among others, Prodip K Roy, Feroze Ahmed, Shipra Das, Tusar Ahmed, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Md. Shamsuddoha and Sahadat Islam Chowdhury sopke.
21 February 2010 Today the Equity and Justice Working Group (EquityBD) brought out a rally to pay respect to the martyrs of the International Mother Language Day,
18 February 2010 Press conference at Dhaka Reporter’s Unity
Donor’s condition to include the WB on MDTF is Colonial
Rights Group called the Government to clarify WB on MDTF
Dhaka, 18th February 2010. Today, an alliance of eleven rights organizations, called the government to make clear the role of the World Bank in the management of country’s Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF). The alliance, led by Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh, made this call through organizing a press conference in the National Press Club, Dhaka. They also criticized the role of the country’s development partners and termed their approach ‘colonial’ as they have been consistently pushing Bangladesh to accept World Bank to manage the multi donor trust fund.
The rights groups are; CSRL, EquityBD, Lead Trust, On line knowledge Center, La via Campesina, Prantik, RCASV, Swadin Bangla Garments Sromik Federation, Uddipan, and Voice,
In a written press statement, secretary general of EquityBD, Md Shmasuddoha, said that since the establishment of MDTF in September 2008, the major contributors to this fund, the UK government, and also other EU countries, has been creating pressure to the government to channel this fund through the World Bank. The local development agent of the UK government, the DfID, is insisting so against the wishes of the government. In this backdrop the rights groups both in the UK and Bangladesh criticized such a role of the developed countries. They claimed that the rich countries want to steer the management of climate fund trough establishing authority of their allied forces, the IFIs, in its management.
Although the government of Bangladesh opposed such donors condition earlier, but, after the recently held ‘Bangladesh Development Forum’ meeting it seems that government is going to accept WB’s role on MDTF in the name of Technical Assistance from the Bank. In a joint briefing with the development partners, Finance Minister AMA Muhith said ‘technical and fiduciary management of the fund might be given to the WB. Such statement is just opposite to the government’s previous position and, we presume that donors in the BDF meet make the country bound to accept the WB’s role on the MDTF.
Among others, Badrul Alam of La Via Campesina, Shahadat Islam of PRADIP, Mustafa Kamal Akanda, Sanat Kumar Bhowmik of EquityBD spoke in the press conference.
16 February 2010 Human chain in font of National Press club
Rights groups blamed donors, elite and bureaucrats for misuse of foreign aid and loan money
Make the aid reaching poor, transparent and locally accountable
Dhaka, 16th February 2010: Today EquityBD, along with twenty one other right based organizations, organized a rally and human chain in front of national press club, Dhaka in parallel to the on going ‘Bangladesh Development Forum’ meet while they claimed that the development partners in Bangladesh and their allied elite class and bureaucrats are responsible for misuse of foreign aid and they made the country increasingly indebted since the liberation of Bangladesh. The organizers demanded sovereign, democratic and responsible financing to ensure that the benefit of aid and loans reaches the poor through a transparent and accountable manner. The protesting rights organizations are; Arpan, AMKS, Eso, Bangladesh Krishak Federation, CSRL, EquityBD, Kishani Sohva, Lead Trust, On line knowledge centre, Protikrit, Karmajibi Nari, La via campesina, MFTD, Prantik, Purbasha, RCSV, Swadin Bangla Garments Sramik Federation, Solidarity Workshop, Sirajgaonj Flodd Forum, Uddipan, Voice, and World Development Movement – UK.
Mustafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD moderated the rally while Babdurl Alam of La Via Campesina, Feroza Ahmed from Lead Trust, Farzana Akhter from Voice, Saleha Begum from Kishani Sohva, SM Mamun of Karmajibi Nari, Abdul Kader Hazari of Arpan, Syed Aminul Haque, Md. Shamsuddoha and Rezaul K Chowdhury of EquityBD spoke
15 February 2010 Human chain in font of National Press club
Simultaneous civil society protest rally both in London and Dhaka,
Call on the eve of BDF meeting Pay your carbon debt: keep your commitment
Dhaka, 15th February 2010: Today twenty one civil society organizations (CSO), in a rally and human chain in front of national press club, called upon the developed country representatives and donors, who are participating in Bangladesh Development Forum BDF, to pay their carbon debt as compensation. Speakers from the Human Chain said that Bangladesh is facing most catastrophic caused by climate change, which is the result of high carbon emissions historically by the developed countries. They also claimed that developed countries are indebted to the people of Bangladesh and they should pay their carbon debt. The rally blamed that, developed countries are not keeping their commitment in supporting the climate change affected countries; they remind them to keep their commitment. Mustafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD moderated the rally where Badrul Alam of La Via Campesina, Feroz Ahmed of Lead Trust, Prodip Roy of On Line knowledge Center, Shamsuddoha and Rezaul K. Chowdhury of EquityBD also spoke.
From the human chain the organizers released a joint statement developed by twenty one organization which includes Arpon, AMKS, Eso, Bangladesh Krishak Federation, CSRL, EquityBD, Kishani Shova, Lead Trust, On line knowledge center, Potikrit, La via campesina, MFTD, Prantik, Purbasha, RCASV, Swadin Bangla Garments Sromik Federation, Solidarity Workshop, Sirajgonj Flood Forum, Uddipan, Voice, EquityBD and World Development Movement -UK. In the statement they mentioned that in the recent years Bangladesh is facing frequent and more intense cyclonic disaster which has clear link with the climate change. Cyclone SIDR in Bangladesh in 2007 caused death of 4000 lives and $ 1.7 billions of economic loss. Again cyclone AILA in Bangladesh in 2009 caused death of 150 lives and $ 1.5 billions of economic loss. But so far Bangladesh has received less then 20 % of the economic loss caused by these disasters. Such huge economic fall back making the country bound to seek fund from the IFIs and other developed countries. Meantime Bangladesh already indebted in such a way that the country has to pay 20 % of its revenue budget as debt servicing liabilities, which is much higher than its annual health and education budget. Speakers mentioned that debt business, capitalizing the climate crisis, by the developed countries is injustice. The developed countries did injustice historically by utilizing more atmospheric space and global public goods that their fair shares.
Simultaneous rally also organized in front of DFID office in London. This rally is jointly organized by World Development Movement (WDM), Jubilee Debt Campaign UK, Friends of the Earth and Christian Aid. They criticized the role of DFID as this organization is pressing Government of Bangladesh to allow World Bank to manage to multi donor trust fund on climate change. This is to mention that, in response to a joint call by EquityBD and WDM, thousands of people in the UK sent e-mail to the UK Prime Minister for not challenging climate funds for Bangladesh through the World Bank. The also called to their government to allocate climate fund in addition to the existing ODA commitment of the UK government.
Organizers declared that they will organize similar rally and human chain in front of press club tomorrow 16th February, demanding sovereign, democratic and responsible financing to make aid reaching to poor, transparent and locally accountable.
11 February 2010 Seminar at Dhaka Reporter’s Unity
Donors are hardly reliable: Declare road map of five year planning
Civil society termed BDF the donor's conspiracy of making the country more indebted : Donors are hardly reliable, Declare preparation road map for five year planning
Dhaka, 11th February 2010 : Today EquityBD, a network of right based CSOs, organized a seminar titled “ PRS II : Sovereign Development Planning” in Dhaka Reporters Unity where they termed the upcoming Bangladesh Development Forum as the ‘Debt Development Forum’ which in fact is the planning of making the country more indebted. EquityBD urged the government to drop the donor driven Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) process and urged to declare a participatory road map for the preparation of next five year plan by 2010-2011. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Convener EquityBD, moderated the seminar, while Syed Aminul Haque made the key note presentation. Md. Shamsuddoha, Mostafa Kamal Akanda and Dr. Sohel Iqbal of the group also spoke on the subject matter. Among others, ex State minister and the Treasurer of BNP Abdul Mannan, ex state minister Abul Hasan Chowdhury, ex Minister KM Jahangir Hossain of Awami Leugue, ex-member of parliament and present advisor to the BNP chairperson Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Ahmed Swapan of VOICE, Ziaul Haque Mukta of CSRL, journalist Kaiser Rahaman and Salahuddin Bablu spoke in the seminar.
Ex minister Abul Hasan Chowdhury mentioned local government and grass root democracy is the only way of country’s own local resource mobilization. Ziaul Haque Mutka said that forming Local Consultative Group to oversee and guide different ministries of the government of Bangladesh is the clear violation of diplomatic code of conduct as stated in the Vienna Convention. He urged the government to provide market protection of agricultural product. Ex minister KM Zahangir Hossain mentioned, in fact civil bureaucrats do not want members of parliaments to participate in PRS preparation. He mentioned that there is no alternative other then giving importance to railway and river route. Ex minister Abdul Mannan mentioned that in fact there are differences in what is in rhetoric and in fact policy outlines, the government must have to be sincere in agriculture development.
Please dowmload all related file of the papers presented in the seminar
(i) PRS II : step in as usual business [ English ]
(ii) sovereign democratic responsible financing charter, [ Bangla ][ English ] (iii) vision 2021 vs. debt dependent second PRS [ Bangla ][ English]
(iv) Critical review of sector wise policy matrix [Bangla ][English ]
(v) photos and media coverage.
Online Media coverage:
04 February 2010 Press conference at Dhaka Reporter’s Unity
Channeling climate funds through the WB is a trickery of the British government to weaken the negotiating point under the UNFCCC
Country should establish its sovereign authority in Climate Fund management
04 February 2010: Today Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh (EquityBD), an alliance of rights based organizations, called the government to establish country’s sovereign authority on the management of Multi Donor Trust Fund ( MDTF) which is going to be operationalized soon for the climate change adaptation in Bangladesh. EquityBD made this call through organizing a press conference in Dhaka Reporter’s Unity today.
In this press conference, EquityBD claimed that since the establishment of MDTF in September 2008, the major contributors to this fund, the UK government, has been creating pressure to the government to channel this fund through the World Bank. DfID is insisting, against the wishes of the NGO/CSOs in Bangladesh, that the World Bank manages the trust fund. We should not allow the Bank to manage the fund in Bangladesh because the Bank has a long history of imposing economic conditions on developing countries, fuelling unjust debts and promoting dirty development. In contrast, there are examples of funds being managed in Bangladesh in democratic and transparent ways, with active participation by civil society, said the speakers.
In a written press statement, secretary general of EquityBD, Md Shmasuddoha, claimed that channeling climate funds through the WB is a trickery of the British government to weaken the negotiating point under the UNFCCC, where the developing country Parties are opposing involvement of any IFIs in the management of climate finance.
Among others, Mustafa Kamal Akanda, Sanat Kumar Bhowmik and Dr Sohel Iqbal of EquityBD were present in the press conference.
18 January 2010 Press conference at national press club
UN ESCAP and GoB role in organizing LDC BPoA seminar has criticized
LDC must challenge the existing global financial and governance structure
Dhaka, 18th January. Today a group of rights activists criticized the role of UN ESCAP and Government of Bangladesh (GoB), the host country of the on going Asia Pacific LDC conference, as they ignored CSOs participation from a ‘broad spectrum’ and violated the ‘aid memorie’ between GoB and the UNESCAP in organizing this high level meeting of the LDCs from the Asia and Pacific. The organizers claimed this through organizing a press conference in national press club in Dhaka today. They categorically alleged that the organizers have violated the UN General Assembly resolution which emphasized and called for broader spectrum of civil society participation. They claim that, as the organizers invited corporate NGOs as civil society representatives who in fact do not challenge global financial and governance architecture. They also mentioned that in fact ERD of GoB favors the proposition of the international financial institutions and they do not want any criticism in this regard. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, convener EquityBD, moderated the press conference while Md. Shamsuddoha of EquityBD read out the written statement. Among other organizers, Badurl Alam of La Via Campesina, Ahemd Swapna of VOICE, Sahadat Islam Chowdhuray of PRADIP, Zaid Iqbal of Bangladesh Krisak Federation. Mostafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD spoke in the press conference.
There were two advertisements, based on the responses/application from the interested CSOs we have primarily selected around 65 participants following a set of selection criteria. Primary selection letter already been sent out. To ensure all possible diverse nature of civil society and to facilitate the consultation we have selected around 34 resource persons, all have been invited in dinner meeting to be held in BRAC Inn, 27th May, 7 pm.
Please note that residential consultation will be held from 14th evening to 16th June afternoon at Proshika HRD Tranining Centere, Koitta, Manikganj Dhaka. To share the outcomes of the consultation with the wider CSO actors a multi-stakeholder dialogue will be held on 17th June at CIRDAP auditorium, Paltan, Dhaka. Please consult the relevant documents as follows
Briefing note for the resource persons for 27th May dinner meetin Download
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Bangla Brief on Bangladesh process of open forum on CSO development effective ness.Download
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The Open Forum for CSO Development Effectiveness at a GlanceDownload
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Confirmed participants list dated 04 Jun 2010 ( Bangla ) Download
More resource materials will be uploaded, we request you to visit the site again.
For any further information and clarification please contact Mostafa Kamal Akanda (Mobile: +8801711455591) and Rezaul Karim Chowdhury (Mobile : + 8801711529792) or please mail : reza@coastbd.org, or contact the coordination secretariat ; EquityBD, House 9/4, Road 2, Shaymoli, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh.
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?
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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.
humanitarian news and analysis
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.
organized by different network of rights group criticized government policy that have created space of investment for the private sector, foreign companies in power sector. They mentioned that in view of other Asian country experiences it may create more public debts and increase disparity in society. The meeting was jointly organized by Action Aid, EquityBD, Jubilee South, SUPRO, MFTD, Unnayan Onneshan and VOICE. Ms. Lidy Nacpil of Jubilee South narrated her experience from Philippines, and Syed Aminul Haque of EquityBD gave analysis on Bangladesh situation in this regard. The meeting was moderated by Rashed Al Titumir of Unnayan Onneshan, while Md. Shamsuddoha of EquityBD, Faruque Ahmed from MFTD and Farjana Akther of VOICE also spoke in the occasion. 
Dhaka 17 June 2010: Today in a seminar held in the CIRDAP Auditorium, Dhaka leaders of the civil society organizations argued for creating an enabling environment for the progression of freethinking civil society organizations. They said that CSO should develop its effectiveness through maintaining some common standards and principles of accountability and transparency in its work and governance. Such an approach of CSO effectiveness ultimately will complement to the development effectiveness, speakers said in the seminar. 
ommittee to the ministry of children and women affairs, NGO Bureau DG Mustak Hasan Mahmud, Bo Sundstorm, Aid Effectiveness Adviser to DFID Bangladesh, Maria Theresa Lauren of Asia Pacific Research Network, Anil Singh of South Asian Network for Sustainable Agricultural Development, Sirin Akter of Karmojibi Nari, Syeda Rizwana Hasan of BELA, Advocate Salma Ali of BNWLA, Shahin Anam of Manusher Jonnyo, and Golam Mortuza of Saptahiki were present and spoke in the seminar. 
conference saying that this year budget would increase class and income disparity instead of reducing the burden of poverty on the most of the population including the poor. The press conference was held today at the national press club in the city jointly organized by civil society organizations and social movement groups namely Equity and Working Justice Group, VOICE, Bangladesh Krishok Federation and La via Campesina-Bangladesh. Among others, Rezaul Karim Choudhury of EquityBD, Ahmed Swapan of VOICE, Badrul Alam of La Via Campesina-Bangladesh, and Ziad Iqbal Kahn of Krishok Federation spoke in the occasion.
Dhaka, leaders from BAPA, CDP, EquityBD and SUPRO announced the date and process on Bangladesh National Consultation on open forum on civil society organization (CSO)’s development effectiveness. This is a part of global dialogue process which was initiated after the Accra Conference on aid effectiveness that held during 2008, being lead by 25 international civil society organizations which includes, AFRODAD, ANND CONCORD, CIVICUS, ACT, CIDSE, Plan and Care International etc. In Asia Pacific the dialogues being facilitated by Asia Pacific Research Network (APRN). The process will be culminated in 2011 at Korea during fourth high level forum on aid effectiveness. The press conference was moderated by Dr. Abdul Matin of BAPA. Mostafa Kamal Akanda and Rezaul Karim Chowdury of EquityBD/COAST, Jahangir Hossain Masum of CDP and Iqbal Uddin of SUPRO have spoken on the occasion.
organizations condemned EUs sponsored on going Asia Conference on Global Climate Change Alliance as a mere talk show, they also criticized EU and UK pressure on government to accept World Bank technical assistance in the climate change fund. The rally was participated by twelve organization led by EquityBD while they placed twelve demands which include compensation of carbon debt from developed countries, participation of civil society and climate victims in climate fund management, creation of separate and independent foundation for climate fund management, immediate construction of embankment in Satkhira and other coastal area and declaration of 30 million Bangladeshi climate 
migrants as universal natural person and accept their access in developed countries.
civil society organizations expressed worries on the transparency and accountability mechanisms in the implementation of Climate Change Trust Fund (CCTF) of the government of Bangladesh, as it is overwhelmingly controlled by Bureaucrats and Ministries. They demanded to implant democratic principles in the governance of the CCTF through ensuring wider scope of participation of the climate victims, local government representatives and civil societies. The seminar titled “Government’s Funding for Climate Change: Bureaucratic or Democratic Ownership?” organized by EquityBD and CSRL, the two campaign coalitions of NGOs and civil society organization. The seminar was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, while Md Shmasuddoha of EquityBD made the keynote presentation. 
ability to secure clean and alternative energy sources as the current fossil fuel based energy sources are being considered as the main driver of global warming and climate change, moreover the stocks of fossil fuel are running out and becomes politically and economically costly. Speakers and policy maker of the political parties commented unanimously in an EquityBD organized seminar title “Fossil fuel less economy and national budget 2010-11” held at the Press Club Dhaka today at 10.30 am .
ve energy security. Attempting to develop an energy policy is a critical task; reduced energy consumption for poor countries would reduce human security, increase poverty and threaten food security- he added. He emphasizes development of a holistic energy policy through integrating all potential energy sources, including the renewable ones. 
organized a protest demonstration and human chain against the role of the IFIs, especially of the ADB, in the privatization of essential services The rights group includes AMKS, DORA, EquityBD, LEAD Trust , LaVia Campesina Bangladesh, MFTD, Online Knowledge Center , PRADIP, POTHIKRITE, PRANTIC and RCSV.
protest in front of the National Press Club, Dhaka during 43rd Annual Governors Meeting of ADB in Taskent, Uzbekistan as this meeting highlighted the major role of the ADB in privatizing water, power, and other essential services in the region. The rights group across Asia declared May 4 as the Asian Day of Action against Privatization of Essential Services and organized similar protest actions also in the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and Pakistan while they raised critique and opposed ADB’s role in the privatization of essential services.
he People’s SAARC Bangladesh Chapter, a coalition of civil society groups in Dhaka, demanded visa free South Asia on the way forward to People’s Union in the region. They also circulated a written statement with sixteen point demands, which includes- immediate operation and revision of SAARC food bank aiming to feed all hungry people of the region; turning the SAARC Development Bank as alternative to World Bank and ADB; no imposition of uniformity and to uphold diversity of the nations; condemning militarism and terrorism as both are peoples’ enemy etc. 
d rally in front of national press club. They termed SAARC a mere talk shop as this regional association has failed to fulfill the aspiration of common people of South Asia. They demanded changes in SAARC Charters to accommodate dialogue on crucial bilateral and multilateral issues. Representatives of rights organizations who delivered speech from the human chain includes Mustafa Kamal Akanda of Jubilee South, Noman Ahmed Khan of IED, Omar Tarek Chowdhury and Shamsul Alam Sajjan of BNPS, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury and Shamsuddoha of EquityBD, Monju Rani Pramanik of SUPRO, Faisal Bin Majid of SAAPE, Abdul Quader Hazari of Arpon and Nazrul Islam Dali of Soha.
SAARC agriculture perspective 2020: Require a participatory road map
eople’s SAARC Bangladesh National Committee, a coalition of right groups called on the governments of the South Asian countries to bring-out SAARC from the corridor of bureaucracy and make the SAARC effective in the promotion of the welfare of South Asian common people. On the eve of the 16th SAARC Summit to be held in Bhutan on 28 and 29 April, alliance also urged the South Asian government to promote people-to-people contacts on a larger scale through developing South Asia a ‘visa-free region along with a free trade regime”. Dr. Rashid E Mahbub, Chairperson of Peoples’ SAARC Bangladesh National Committee, chaired; while Rokeya Kabir moderated the seminar. 
SAARC, a coalition of civil society right groups announced three-day programs in a press conference held at Dhaka Reporters Unity. On the eve of the 16th SAARC Summit to be held in Bhutan on 28 and 29 April, this coalition outlined its three-day program that includes several people’s events to raise civil society voices to be herd in the official SAARC process. Through this press conference, this coalition demanded visa free South Asia for greater South Asian integration embedded with peace, harmony and well-being of the common people of the South Asian countries. They also criticized official SAARC process as it has failed to respond the common aspirations of the South Asian people. The press conference was chaired and moderated respectively by the committee convener Dr. Rashid E Mahbub and Rokeya Kabir, while Rezaul Karim Chowdhury read-out the written statement, Mohiuddin Ahmed spoken about the prospect of forming People Union of South Asia, especially in respect of eradicating poverty in using common natural resources. 
Conference Hall titled "Democracy in a Global World" at 11am -12noon which was jointly organized by "Give your Vote" and "Equitybd". to
lunch a month long campaign titled “Use a Vote”. 
Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) on a temporary basis. The alliance also condemned the EU for imposing conditionality to include the WB in the management of MDTF. They termed EU position on MDTF as neo-colonial as they have been consistently pushing Bangladesh to accept World Bank to manage the multi donor trust fund. The rights organizations expressed such views through organizing human chain and rally in front of the National Press Club. Mostafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD moderated the rally while, among others, Prodip K Roy, Feroze Ahmed, Shipra Das, Tusar Ahmed, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Md. Shamsuddoha and Sahadat Islam Chowdhury sopke. 
management of country’s Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF). The alliance, led by Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh, made this call through organizing a press conference in the National Press Club, Dhaka. They also criticized the role of the country’s development partners and termed their approach ‘colonial’ as they have been consistently pushing Bangladesh to accept World Bank to manage the multi donor trust fund.
based organizations, organized a rally and human chain in front of national press club, Dhaka in parallel to the on going ‘Bangladesh Development Forum’ meet while they claimed that the development partners in Bangladesh and their allied elite class and bureaucrats are responsible for misuse of foreign aid and they made the country increasingly indebted since the liberation of Bangladesh. The organizers demanded sovereign, democratic and responsible financing to ensure that the benefit of aid and loans reaches the poor through a transparent and accountable manner. The protesting rights organizations are; Arpan, AMKS, Eso, Bangladesh Krishak Federation, CSRL, EquityBD, Kishani Sohva, Lead Trust, On line knowledge centre, Protikrit, Karmajibi Nari, La via campesina, MFTD, Prantik, Purbasha, RCSV, Swadin Bangla Garments Sramik Federation, Solidarity Workshop, Sirajgaonj Flodd Forum, Uddipan, Voice, and World Development Movement – UK.
hile Babdurl Alam of La Via Campesina, Feroza Ahmed from Lead Trust, Farzana Akhter from Voice, Saleha Begum from Kishani Sohva, SM Mamun of Karmajibi Nari, Abdul Kader Hazari of Arpan, Syed Aminul Haque, Md. Shamsuddoha and Rezaul K Chowdhury of EquityBD spoke
country representatives and donors, who are participating in Bangladesh Development Forum BDF, to pay their carbon debt as compensation. Speakers from the Human Chain said that Bangladesh is facing most catastrophic caused by climate change, which is the result of high carbon emissions historically by the developed countries. They also claimed that developed countries are indebted to the people of Bangladesh and they should pay their carbon debt. The rally blamed that, developed countries are not keeping their commitment in supporting the climate change affected countries; they remind them to keep their commitment. Mustafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD moderated the rally where Badrul Alam of La Via Campesina, Feroz Ahmed of Lead Trust, Prodip Roy of On Line knowledge Center, Shamsuddoha and Rezaul K. Chowdhury of EquityBD also spoke. 
crisis, by the developed countries is injustice. The developed countries did injustice historically by utilizing more atmospheric space and global public goods that their fair shares. 
organized a seminar titled “ PRS II : Sovereign Development Planning” in Dhaka Reporters Unity where they termed the upcoming Bangladesh Development Forum as the ‘Debt Development Forum’ which in fact is the planning of making the country more indebted. EquityBD urged the government to drop the donor driven Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) process and urged to declare a participatory road map for the preparation of next five year plan by 2010-2011. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Convener EquityBD, moderated the seminar, while Syed Aminul Haque made the key note presentation. Md. Shamsuddoha, Mostafa Kamal Akanda and Dr. Sohel Iqbal of the group also spoke on the subject matter. Among others, ex State minister and the Treasurer of BNP Abdul Mannan, ex state minister Abul Hasan Chowdhury, ex Minister KM Jahangir Hossain of Awami Leugue, ex-member of parliament and present advisor to the BNP chairperson Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Ahmed Swapan of VOICE, Ziaul Haque Mukta of CSRL, journalist Kaiser Rahaman and Salahuddin Bablu spoke in the seminar.
(EquityBD), an alliance of rights based organizations, called the government to establish country’s sovereign authority on the management of Multi Donor Trust Fund ( MDTF) which is going to be operationalized soon for the climate change adaptation in Bangladesh. EquityBD made this call through organizing a press conference in Dhaka Reporter’s Unity today.
Asia Pacific LDC conference, as they ignored CSOs participation from a ‘broad spectrum’ and violated the ‘aid memorie’ between GoB and the UNESCAP in organizing this high level meeting of the LDCs from the Asia and Pacific. The organizers claimed this through organizing a press conference in national press club in Dhaka today. They categorically alleged that the organizers have violated the UN General Assembly resolution which emphasized and called for broader spectrum of civil society participation. They claim that, as the organizers invited corporate NGOs as civil society representatives who in fact do not challenge global financial and governance architecture. They also mentioned that in fact ERD of GoB favors the proposition of the international financial institutions and they do not want any criticism in this regard. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, convener EquityBD, moderated the press conference while Md. Shamsuddoha of EquityBD read out the written statement. Among other organizers, Badurl Alam of La Via Campesina, Ahemd Swapna of VOICE, Sahadat Islam Chowdhuray of PRADIP, Zaid Iqbal of Bangladesh Krisak Federation. Mostafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD spoke in the press conference. 
humanitarian news and analysis
