Bangladeshi activists join Global Climate Strike

On September 15, hundreds of young climate activists across Bangladesh organised climate strikes across the country. Organised by various environmental groups and youth movements, the climate strike held in Bangladesh is a part of the Global Climate Strike organised by Fridays for Future. This year's Global Climate Strike marks the fifth anniversary of the movement started by climate activist Greta Thunberg.

The strike unfolded simultaneously in 25 districts, including Dhaka, Gopalganj, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Tangail, Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Noakhali, Bandarban, Barisal, Jhalokati, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barguna, Sylhet, Habiganj, Moulvibazar, Khulna, Satkhira, Jessore, Bagerhat, Narail, Mymensingh, Netrokona, and Gaibandha.

In Dhaka, the climate strike was held outside the National Press Club. The strike started at 9:30 AM, and within half an hour the area outside the National Press Club turned into a sea of colourful banners and placards as climate activists from diverse backgrounds joined. A stretch of the road was filled with these young activists chanting powerful slogans like "Fund our future," "We want Justice," and "Save our Future."

Rifat Anik, an organiser representing Stories of Change, shared, "It was truly inspiring to witness the overwhelming presence of young individuals. Strikes of this nature play an important role in raising awareness, particularly among the climate generation."

Sohanur Rahman, executive coordinator of the YouthNet for Climate Justice, said, "We cannot afford to add more fuel to the fire."

The rally urged an end to the financing of fossil fuel projects, a transition towards renewable energy sources, and an increase in climate finance to combat the climate crisis. "The era of new fossil fuels is over. Our future depends on leaving them in the ground," added Sohanur in a press release.

Among the attendees were organisations such as YouthNet for Climate Justice, Climate Network Bangladesh, Action Aid, the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Bangladesh, 350.org Bangladesh, and many others.

Usraat Fahmidah is a high-school graduate.