Dhaka Declaration 2010 on Bangladesh
environmental problems
3rd International
Conference on Bangladesh Environment (ICBEN) adopted Dhaka Declaration
2010, which compiles the main points of analysis of almost all major
environmental problems of Bangladesh and presents the recommended solutions
that emerged from the conference. The Declaration is now available in both
Bangla and English. Detailed discussion of this Declaration will be one of the
main tasks of the special conference on Environment Movement and Organization,
because a good understanding of this document is essential for successful and
effective participation in the environment movement.
Main organizational principles of
BAPA and BEN
Two main organizational principles
of BAPA and BEN are “financial self-reliance” and “operational initiative.”
Both BAPA and BEN rely on resources provided by their members and do not seek
or receive any fund from either the government or foreign donor agencies. BAPA
and BEN are therefore not NGOs. Both BAPA and BEN allow their branches and
chapters to take initiatives while remaining faithful to the basic principles
and philosophy of the organizations. It is necessary to have detailed
discussion of these two principles so that all BAPA and BEN branches, chapters,
and members can understand their rationale, method of implementation, and
efficacy.
Environment Movements’
Relationship with the government, state, and administration
The government and the civil
administration have the most important role in protection of environment. The
main goal of BAPA and BEN is to influence government’s policies concerning
environment. However, experience shows that even good policies get scuttled,
and in fact often generates contrary results, if there is lack of cooperation,
inefficiency, and hostility on the part of administration. The recent
experience regarding demarcation of river boundaries through installation of
pillars following the High Court’s order is a good example of the above. Hence
an important issue for the conference to discuss is how to convince and
mobilize the civil administration to work in favor of environment.
Relationship with political parties
and professional, social, cultural, and sports organizations
The environment movement cannot
succeed without mass participation. Particularly important role is of political
parties, which form governments that in turn formulate and implement
environment related policies. BAPA and BEN therefore from the very beginning
have been keen on enlisting the support of political parties, various
professional, social, cultural, and sports organizations for the environment
movement. An important task of the conference will be to evaluate this effort
and invite the leaders of the parties and mass organizations to take part in
this evaluation.
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