Bangladesh bears brunt of climate change amid rising temperature, sea levels

Dhaka/ Bangladesh – Bangladesh is among the countries starting to be affected adversely by climate change, including the rise in temperature and sea levels, as well as the more frequent floods, irregular monsoons, and increase in cyclone intensity.

Environmentalists say the country’s location, its flat and low-lying topography, and high population density have all contributed to more severe climate change effects.

Many farming lands were submerged by water, which has since been used for everyday use, causing allergies and diseases.

Alimoon Razib, who runs a clinic, said that water-borne diseases such as Cholera and diarrhea have become more rampant than ever because of waterlogging, adding that it is becoming more difficult to control the spread of these diseases.

Mujibar Rahman, Deputy Agricultural Officer, said that after a cyclone hit the country, salinity in water has gone up, killing crops and making farming impossible.

Climate change is challenging the country’s resources and killing its flora and fauna, directly affecting food security.

“We used to catch fish here. There were many fishes here named Ruhi, Katla, Bagdha. We lived our life off fishing. Now, there is no fish around here because of the salty water, except for small prawns.” said fisherman Md. Rabiul Islam.

Following the devastation caused by the collapse of the Pratapnagar Dam, many families were displaced due to water’s force that wiped up seven houses as well as a mosque and inundated entire areas and roads in Satkhira’s Ashasoni.

“Our home was near the bank of the Dam. After that home was wiped off after the collapse of the dam, I, along with my disabled husband, was allowed to be here for six months. Now we are homeless,” resident Rashida Begum said.

Prof. Md Harunur Rashid Khan of the University of Dhaka said even though Bangladesh is not a polluter and does not contribute to climate change, it is left to deal with its worst effects.

“Human migration and increased soil salinity in the coastal area make a negative impact on the crops of that area and habitat changes are the immediate effects of the Climate Change,” Harunur said.

“If we can develop saline tolerant variety the issue would be reduced a lot. Bangladesh is not that much responsible for climate change. We are suffering from climate harm activities done by the rest of the world,” he added.