A youth-led discussion on the climate crisis and the Rohingya situation was held in Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday (November 27) at the Central Shaheed Minar of teh district.
The event, organized by the youth-driven think tank Map, brought together prominent voices to address the region’s critical issues.
The panel featured Jimran Mohammad Saiak, who recently represented Bangladesh at the COP-29 Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, and journalist and human rights activist ASM Suza Uddin. Young journalist and organizer Tanbirul Miraj Ripon moderated the discussion.
During the session, the panelists delved into the pressing environmental challenges and the Rohingya crisis in Cox’s Bazar.
Jimran Mohammad Saiek emphasized the need for greater youth involvement in tackling the climate crisis, citing his experience at the Baku summit.
“International collaboration is crucial in mitigating the effects of climate change, especially for a vulnerable region like Cox’s Bazar,” he said.
ASM Suza Uddin highlighted the lack of institutional capacity in addressing the social and economic challenges posed by the Rohingya crisis.
He pointed out Cox’s Bazar’s significant potential to contribute up to 25% of Bangladesh’s GDP, underlining the region’s importance on national and international fronts.
The event concluded with a cultural program featuring performances by Cox’s Bazar Music School artists, including renditions of traditional Rohingya songs, Amanullah Gayan’s compositions, and the iconic liberation song “Muktir o Mandir e Sopan Tole.”
Tanbirul Miraj Ripon, the moderator, shared his vision for the initiative.
“The youth of Cox’s Bazar are making strides globally, yet we remain disconnected when it comes to local development plans. Map is working to create stakeholders and narratives for this region by tracking conflicts and collaborating with think tanks. This dialogue is just the beginning, and more discussions will follow,” he added.
By Rajin Saleh
