Activista Cox’s Bazar organized a peaceful demonstration on Friday (April 11) at the Cox’s Bazar Central Shaheed Minar, demanding climate justice and protesting the ongoing genocide in Palestine. Local youth urged world leaders to stop investing in fossil fuels and ensure climate equity.
The demonstration, part of the global climate strike, was initiated by ActionAid Bangladesh’s youth platform, Activista Cox’s Bazar. Participants called for urgent action to address the climate crisis while strongly advocating for a ceasefire in Palestine amid continuous human rights violations.
Climate activists at the rally highlighted that developed nations’ heavy investment in fossil fuels is fueling neocolonial exploitation, wars, and environmental destruction. They stressed that such actions are exacerbating the global climate crisis and jeopardizing the future of the next generations.
Over a hundred young activists expressed their demands through placards, banners, artwork, songs, and theatrical performances. Messages on the placards read: “Don’t Sell Our Future,” “Fix the Finance,” “We Demand Climate Justice,” “Invest in Renewable Energy,” “End Harmful Agricultural Practices,” and “Support Climate-Resilient Farming.”
Participants also raised concerns about local environmental issues in Cox’s Bazar, such as the drinking water crisis, deforestation of mangroves, plastic pollution, and the need for more substantial conservation efforts.
Youth climate activist Ayesha Siddika Riya said, “With the rising investment in fossil fuels worldwide, our future is at risk. We cannot allow our future to be sold.”
ActionAid Bangladesh official Tafhimul Jannat Sifat added, “The youth of Cox’s Bazar have come together today to demand the protection of our future. There is no alternative to climate justice. The ongoing genocide in Palestine is a blatant violation of human rights, and we strongly demand an immediate ceasefire.”
Six youth organizations in Cox’s Bazar showed solidarity during the climate strike, and over a hundred young activists participated in the movement.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik
