Photo: BSS

GAIBANDHA, MAY 16, 2025 (BSS) - Speakers at a climate change dialogue in Gaibandha emphasized that holistic support and joint efforts from all stakeholders, both governmental and non-governmental are crucial to reducing the risks of climate change.

They highlighted that climate change has been severely affecting the district and its residents in numerous ways. Local communities are facing increasing challenges such as droughts, unseasonal floods, cold waves, river erosion, pest outbreaks and declining crop yields.

They made the remarks during a dialogue on climate change held at the conference room of the deputy commissioner (DC) office here on Thursday. 

The event was organized by SKS Foundation, a local voluntary development organization, under the Community-Based Resilience, Women's Empowerment and Action Project, funded by the Manusher Jonno Foundation.

Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Choudhury Muazzam Ahmed attended the program as the chief guest, which was moderated by Ashraful Alom, public relations officer of SKS Foundation.

Deputy director of the department of agricultural extension Khorshed A lam Sarker, additional police super SharifulAlom, deputy director of women affairs department Nargis Jahan, district relief and rehabilitation officer Md. Shafiqul Islam addressed the function among others.

Earlier, Project Coordinator Lovely Khatun presented an overview of the project through a multimedia presentation.

In his speech, DC Choudhury Muazzam Ahmed expressed hope that the project, being implemented in the remote char areas of Fulchhari Upazila, would significantly contribute to women's empowerment and climate risk reduction. 

He also noted the project's role in addressing issues such as child marriage in these vulnerable areas.

The speakers warned that the adverse impacts of climate change could lead to a decline in food production, which is a critical concern. They stressed the importance of equipping affected farmers with climate-resilient, smart agricultural technologies to ensure sustainable food security.

The event was attended by district-level government officials, service providers, invited guests, and members of the press.