26 January 2010
The Aila Mancho started its journey with solidarity from all major political parties and civil society representatives today at Shaheed Hadis Park of Khulna city with participation of more than 1000 participants from students, affected people, development organizations and professional groups.
The Aila Durgoto Sanghati Mancho is organizing the Aila Mancho under assistance of Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods (CSRL) through Humanitywatch.
In the Inaugural Gathering the speakers demanded significant development in repairing and reconstruction of the embankments within next 5 days. Otherwise the Mancho will take harder actions to ensure responsibilities of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB).
The speakers said, “It is not a question of humanity no more, it is now a question of basic human rights. The government has no right to delay when more than 300 thousand people are adversely suffering for it.” They expressed their anxiety that if the government fail to reconstruct the embankments within February, it cannot be repaired within this year.
Journalist Gouranga Nandy addressed the gathering in his welcome speech while Hasan Mehedi, Member secretary of Aila Durgoto Sanghati Mancho described the present situation of 4 affected Upazilas of Khulna and Satkhira district.
Student Debashish Roy, physician Dr. Goutam Roy, Dr. Niranjan Mondal, Advocate Ruhul Amin from Aila affected areas described the sufferings of the people of their communities.
They expressed that the people have no safe water, food and houses now. Some of the affected people are getting dheutin (corrugated iron sheet) and other materials for reconstruction of houses. But they have no land to construct house. Many of the sanitary latrines made by development organizations are submerged twice daily in high tides. So, all development activities are unfruitful if the embankments are not reconstructed.
The inauguration gathering was chaired by Mancho convener Advocate Feroz Ahmed. Former Lawyers’ Association president Advocate Abdullah Hossain Bacchu, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) secretary SA Rashid, Biplobi Workers Party secretary Manirul Huq Bacchu, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasod) president Rafiqul Huq Khokon, National Awami Party president Fazlur Rahman, Shammobadi Dal secretary FM Iqbal and Labour leader SM Faruk-ul-Islam addressed the gathering.
After discussion of the leaders, renowned national cultural organisation Udichi presented popular country song and campaign songs to the audience.
Leaders from major party leaders raised hands with solidarity to the Aila affected people
