Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Nov 28, 2025 (BSS) - Political leaders in Khulna have pledged to incorporate specific commitments in their party manifestos to address the pressing challenges faced by people living in Bangladesh’s coastal belt ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. 

They noted that the southwest region, including Khulna, is among the most climate-vulnerable areas of the country and affirmed their readiness to work together, despite political differences to protect affected communities, the environment and local ecosystems.

The pledge came at a citizens’ dialogue held on Thursday at the Humayun Kabir Balu Auditorium of Khulna Press Club. 

The Khulna District Climate Advisory Forum organized the event.

Leaders from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, CPB, NCP, Islami Andolan, BSD, JSD, Gana Sanghati Andolon and several other political groups gathered on one stage, putting aside pre-election disagreements.

The programme was conducted by Forum President and senior journalist Gouranga Nandi. NGO official Mohan Kumar Mondal delivered the welcome remarks, while Forum General Secretary Mahfuzur Rahman Mukul presented the keynote paper.

Among those who spoke were BNP candidate for Khulna-2 constituency Nazrul Islam Manju, CPB district general secretary Sheikh Abdul Hannan, JSD central leader Khalid Hossain, BSD city member secretary Kohinur Akter Kona, Gana Sanghati Andolon’s Khulna-2 candidate Munir Chowdhury Sohel, Islami Andolan senior vice-president Sheikh Nasir Uddin, NCP district coordinator Hafez Maulana Mahmudul Hasan Fayezuallah, central organiser Md Wahid Uz Zaman, Jamaat representative M. Mukul, Mizanur Rahman Babu of Greater Khulna Development Action Coordination Committee. 

Speakers highlighted the climate-induced crises affecting coastal communities, including displacement, salinity intrusion, water scarcity, livelihood threats, and infrastructural weaknesses and deepening inequalities. 

Citing international assessments, they noted that Bangladesh ranks ninth globally in climate-related disaster vulnerability.

According to the German watch Climate Risk Index 2025, Bangladesh remains at high long-term risk and stands at 31st position.