Environmental Protection: Human chain formed in front of National Museum

A group of activists formed a human chain in Dhaka on Friday to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the country’s forestry and environment.

They formed the human chain in front of Bangladesh National Museum in Shahbagh under the banner of Sachetan Prakrity O Pahar Premi Janagan (Conscious Nature and Mountain-Loving People) to raise awareness on environmental protection.

Shawon Mazhar, a mountaineering enthusiast and businessman, convened the human chain, according to a press release. 

The main goals of the human chain were to make people aware of the environment and grab the attention of the authorities concerned to take initiatives to stop felling of trees in the hill region and extraction of stones from springs and streams, to preserve the culture of different hill communities, and to take measures to ensure eco-friendly travel arrangements and facilities.

The demonstrators also requested the authorities concerned not to destroy the habitat of the Mro community or evict them.

Shawon, convener of the human chain, said: “We are here to make everyone aware of the need to protect the environment. Bangladesh's forestry has declined alarmingly. Most of the little amount of forest that still exists, is in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

“But even there, theft of trees, removal of stones from springs and streams, and unplanned urbanization and construction of hotels still continue.”

Condemning these activities, he called for effective measures to stop all activities that cause harm to the environment.