The Climate Justice Assembly 2024 concluded with the adoption of the “Dhaka Declaration,” a bold call for an urgent transition to renewable energy and immediate action to ensure climate justice.
The declaration outlined critical measures, including the cancellation of all coal and gas-based power plants, robust environmental and social safeguards for development projects, and the restoration of livelihoods for those affected by climate change and industrialization.
It emphasized accountability for the impacts of fossil fuel-based development, calling for legal obligations on corporations to compensate communities for their losses and damages.
The two-day assembly, held in Dhaka on December 7–8, 2024, brought together diverse stakeholders from Bangladesh and abroad, including policymakers, climate experts, and grassroots activists.
National participants included Jalal Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Council; Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh; and Professor Anu Muhammad, a noted environmentalist.
International voices included Donna Lisenby, CEO of Riverfox Environmental; Lidy Nacpil, Coordinator of the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD); and Ian Rivera, National Coordinator of the Philippines Movement for Climate Justice.
The sessions highlighted the growing urgency to address climate change and its disproportionate effects on vulnerable communities.
Dr. Mujibur Rahman Howlader, the convener of the organizing committee, presided over the strategy session on the second day. Facilitators Sharif Jamil of Waterkeepers Bangladesh and Md. Shamsuddoha of CPRD led discussions that synthesized key findings from the assembly.
Ian Rivera shared experiences from the Philippines, drawing parallels between the climate crises in both countries, including increasing natural disasters, declining agricultural yields, and economic instability.
Participants underscored the severe challenges faced by Bangladesh’s coastal communities, who are grappling with food insecurity, displacement, and the destruction of livelihoods due to rising sea levels, salinity, and unplanned industrialization.
The assembly voiced strong criticism of the Bangladesh government’s continued reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal and gas-based power plants.
Speakers expressed frustration with COP29 outcomes, arguing that the decisions failed to secure meaningful progress in generating climate funds and instead prioritized corporate profits.
The declaration highlighted the urgent need to redirect subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and establish a clear roadmap to phase out all fossil-fueled power plants.
The “Dhaka Declaration” also called for comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) for all climate and development projects.
It stressed the importance of ensuring gender equity, safeguarding indigenous rights, and protecting ecosystems.
Additionally, the declaration demanded transparent disclosures of financing agreements for coal and gas power projects and citizen-led audits to monitor compliance with environmental regulations.
Participants emphasized the restoration of livelihoods for farmers and fishers displaced by climate change and industrial activities.
The declaration urged the government to repair embankments, address waterlogging issues in coastal areas, and implement sustainable alternatives to protect the deltaic ecosystem.
The assembly also demanded equitable freshwater flow in transboundary river systems and the protection of Bangladesh’s rivers, wetlands, and natural resources from pollution and overexploitation.
Sharif Jamil, Member Secretary of the Assembly Convening Committee, concluded the event by urging policymakers to take immediate action on the recommendations outlined in the “Dhaka Declaration.”
He emphasized that the shift to renewable energy and inclusive climate policies are critical to safeguarding Bangladesh’s future and ensuring justice for its most vulnerable communities.
