Development that is not in balance with nature ends in disaster. With temperatures in the capital recently hitting record highs, a decision to cut down trees, the natural source of oxygen, would be self-destructive. Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has demanded an end to anti-people policies of clearing trees in the name of development.

Speakers made the demand at a human chain in front of the National Press Club on Tuesday (16 May) protesting against the felling of trees on the capital's Satmasjid Road. It was organised by the Dhaka Metropolitan Committee of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

Manju Dhar, joint general secretary of the committee, read out a written statement. She said a full-grown tree supplies oxygen for at least two people for a whole year, and by absorbing 48 pounds of carbon dioxide a year it helps check the greenhouse process. Around the world many steps are being taken to raise awareness of protecting nature and the environment, yet various authorities in Bangladesh are cutting trees and destroying the environment in the name of development.

Demanding an immediate end to tree felling on Dhanmondi's Satmasjid Road, Manju Dhar said development projects are drawn up for the people and to improve their lives, so development plans must take in nature and the environment. "We call on Dhaka South City Corporation to move away from the policy of destroying the environment in the name of development and to speed up tree planting across the city," she said.

The human chain was chaired by Mahatabunnesa, president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad's Dhaka Metropolitan committee. Also speaking were Dhaka Metropolitan general secretary Rehana Yunus, organising secretary Kaniz Fatema Khan, Juela Zebunnesa Khan and others.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.