STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Youth groups, women and community-based organisations from the coastal belt yesterday placed a 10-point declaration, calling for loans on easy terms for vulnerable communities and special investment in women-led climate adaptation and the blue economy.

They also demanded the implementation of “Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)” in all development and climate projects affecting land, forests, water and coastal areas.

The declaration was presented on the closing day of the two-day National CBO Summit 2026 at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka. The event was organised by Oxfam in Bangladesh and Breaking the Silence, with support from Australian Aid.

The other demands included decentralised registration for CBOs and youth groups, institutional recognition of CBOs, effective participation of women and youth in local governance, inclusion of youth research and local knowledge in national policy, protection of environmental defenders, and safeguarding community rights over natural resources.

Speaking as chief guest, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Saki said climate refugees need integrated programmes for rehabilitation, employment and education, rather than isolated projects.

He said CBOs and youth groups can play an important role in identifying and implementing local initiatives.

Mohammad Imran Hasan, head of Climate Justice and Natural Resources Rights at Oxfam in Bangladesh, said the initiative brought together local experiences and academic knowledge to generate new ideas and innovations in climate adaptation.

He urged the state minister to consider and implement the declaration.

Breaking the Silence Chairperson Samia Afrin said the declaration was drafted based on the views and commitments of more than 50 organisations, adding that there is scope to involve these groups in national planning and implementation.