The recent flood that has battered the country is not only a natural disaster but the result of climate change as well as unplanned development and destruction of the environment, observed speakers on Saturday.
The Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar railway line is largely responsible for the floods and waterlogging that occurred in the three hill districts from 2023 to July 2026, they added.
They suggested that science-based, environmentally friendly and long-term plans are required to address the root causes of floods, not just relief.
They made the remarks at a press conference titled “Fact-based Review of Recent Floods” held at the National Press Club organized by Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA) (We for Earth’s Protection).
DHORA Co-Convener MS Siddiqui presided over the press conference. DHORA member secretary Sharif Jamil presented the keynote address and DHORA member Faisal Ahmed moderated the event.
Siddiqui said that the combined effects of unplanned development, filling of rivers and canals, obstruction of water flow and climate change have increased its severity of flood.
He said that a review has been prepared based on field data collection, experiences of affected people, and information from five national newspapers from July 6-16. He urged the government to adopt effective and long-term solutions to deal with the flood situation.
In his keynote speech, Sharif Jamil said that at least 17 districts of the country have been affected by severe floods and waterlogging due to continuous heavy rainfall from July 7 to 12 of this year, hilly landslides coming down from upstream and abnormal increase in water levels in transboundary rivers.
The Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar railway line is largely responsible for the floods and waterlogging that occurred in the three hill districts from 2023 to July 2026, he said
He emphasised integrated river basin-based planning, modern early warning systems, cooperation in transboundary river management, restoration of rivers and canals, construction of climate-resilient infrastructure and rapid rehabilitation of the affected people.
