National dialogue on development in BholaPolitical consensus for a sustainable future

A national dialogue on the future development of Bhola, focusing on fair elections and local progress, was successfully held at the Coast Center, Bhola.

Participants reached a consensus that the development of Bhola requires not only political will but also effective planning and coordinated efforts.

The event, titled Our Vision for Fair Elections and Bholas Development, was jointly organized by the private development organization Coast Foundation and the weekly newspaper Bonik Barta.

The dialogue was moderated by Mustafa Kamal Akanda, Director of Administration, Coast Foundation. Local parliamentary candidates, political leaders, journalists and NGO representatives participated in the event

They emphasized the commitments to land and food security, healthcare, education, transportation, fisheries conservation, and sustainable management of the char areas.

Mustafa Kamal Akanda said, With the national elections approaching, we organized this dialogue with a clear purpose. Coast Foundation originated in Char Fashion, Bhola. From these roots, we aim for Bholas local visions to reach parliamentary candidates and ultimately, serve as a model for other electoral regions.

He also expressed gratitude to candidates from Bhola-1, Bhola-2, Bhola-3, and Bhola-4 constituencies for attending despite being in the midst of campaign activities.

He highlighted key demands:

> An effective transportation system linking Bhola to the mainland, including the long-standing demand for a permanent bridge.

> The development of clear plans for hilsa conservation and coastal disaster management.

Since 1998, Coast Foundation has campaigned for khas land and settlement rights, while striving to expand healthcare. Our target is to establish a modern hospital with at least 1,000 beds in Bhola. Election pledges must also include addressing land grabbing, river piracy, drug control, environmental protection, and afforestation.

Coast Foundation Executive Director Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said, Bhola has immense economic potential. Nearly 30% of Bangladeshs hilsa comes from here. By halting jataka fishing, market prices could rise from BDT 500 to BDT 2,0003,000 within months, benefiting both fishermen and traders. Even if a full-scale hospital is not feasible immediately, an airport could be established to ensure critical medical care.

Protecting the approximately 100,000-acre reserve forest is also crucial to safeguard future livelihoods and agriculture, he added.

Political leaders attending the event stressed the importance of development alongside elections.

Nurul Islam Nayon, BNP candidate for Bhola-4, said, The people of char areas seek security for life and property, along with permanent embankments, roads, electricity, education, and drug control. Understanding their reality brings a sense of responsibility, even amidst electoral challenges.

Other participants, including candidates from Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Gan Adhikar Parishad and Bangladesh Development Party, emphasized fair elections, youth-centered development, infrastructure, fisheries, healthcare, education, and economic growth.

Local journalists and officials highlighted challenges such as illegal fishing, land encroachment, limited forest protection and socio-economic vulnerabilities of char communities.

The dialogue concluded with a message of political consensus for Bholas sustainable development. Recommendations focused on improving quality of life for char residents, expanding healthcare and education, enhancing infrastructure, protecting fisheries and forests, and ensuring participatory, transparent governance.

Mobashwer Ullah Chowdhury, Board Member of Coast Foundation, expressed gratitude, noting, Even without election outcomes, significant progress is possible.

He also said that logical promises must be made, including the implementation of the announced 250-bed hospital and returning char lands to rightful owners. Commitment to marginalized communities development is essential.