Cox’s Bazar-based social worker Minhaj Uddin has been selected as an LG Ambassador 2026 in recognition of his innovative initiative to improve the livelihoods and resilience of coastal communities affected by climate change.
He has proposed a project titled “Coastal Lifeline: Boats for Livelihood & Climate Resilience”, seeking to strengthen the economic self-reliance and disaster resilience of climate-vulnerable communities living along the Matamuhuri River and the coast in Cox’s Bazar.
Gerald Chun, managing director of LG Bangladesh, handed over the award.
Only five individuals were selected as LG Ambassadors 2026 from more than 1,300 project proposals submitted from across the country this year.
Under the proposed project, boats will be provided to climate-affected families to help them become economically self-reliant and secure sustainable livelihoods.
Each beneficiary family will pledge to plant 20 trees annually as part of the project’s environmental component. The initiative aims to facilitate the planting of at least 200 trees annually while contributing to local environmental conservation and climate resilience.
Minhaj has long been involved in humanitarian assistance, environmental conservation, youth development and social development initiatives among coastal communities in Cox’s Bazar. Over the past several years, his initiatives have led to the planting of more than 10,000 trees, created employment for 20 people and provided assistance to more than 1,000 people.
“I lost my family’s homestead to river erosion caused by climate change in 2015. That experience inspired me to work for coastal communities,” Minhaj said.
“This project is not merely a means of livelihood for a fisherman; it is an opportunity for a family to become self-reliant and a life-saving asset during disasters,” he said.
“Through the LG Ambassador Challenge 2026, I want to implement a sustainable and practical solution for climate-vulnerable people in Cox’s Bazar,” Minhaj added.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
