A group of environmentalists in Satkhira staged a road march demanding climate justice and establishment of a specialised institution to address climate impacts and protect Bangladesh’s coastal region.

Green Coalition, development research organisation BARCIK and the Education, Culture and Diversity Protection Team jointly organised the road march started from Shaheed Abdur Razzak Park in Satkhira district town on Wednesday.

The participants also walked through several streets before returning to the starting point.

Speaking at a rally held after the march, speakers highlighted increasing salinity, livelihood crises, heightened risks from cyclones and tidal surges and the long-term scarcity of freshwater in coastal districts.

They said that despite being among the most climate-vulnerable areas of the country, coastal regions lack a dedicated institution for development and protection.

Establishing a Coastal Development Board is now essential for coastal protection, planned development and the rehabilitation of affected communities, they said.

Speakers also demanded fair compensation and rehabilitation for climate-affected coastal populations, increased international climate financing, measures to curb salinity in Satkhira and other coastal zones, freshwater conservation, expanded support for climate-resilient agriculture, enhanced safety and livelihood protection for fishing communities, special allocations for disaster-resilient infrastructure, and inclusive, locally informed climate planning that ensures participation of youth, women, and marginalised groups.

The programme was presided over by Azad Hossain Belal, convener of the Satkhira District Citizens’ Committee.