S.M. Saiful Islam Kabir, Sundarbans Correspondent

Despite the significant contribution of the southwestern coastal region to the national economy, the livelihoods of its people are in extreme crisis.

According to research by the NGO Leaders, over the past 20 years (from 2004 to 2024), families in the coastal areas of Bagerhat, Khulna, and Satkhira have suffered an average annual loss of BDT 502,489 per household due to natural disasters. Among these, the highest reported loss for a single family was BDT 1.04 billion, and the lowest was BDT 45,200.

Due to climate change, Bangladesh has faced 198 major natural disasters between 1991 and 2024. The district of Morelganj in Bagerhat has been among the hardest hit since independence. However, the cyclone Remal that struck on May 26, 2024, surpassed even the devastation caused by the infamous Cyclone Sidr. This disaster has severely impacted livelihoods, assets, food, water, shelter, and overall stability—especially in the southwestern coastal zone. If effective measures are not taken soon, this region may become uninhabited in the near future. Public representatives and civil society leaders have demanded special allocations in the upcoming national budget, declaring the southwest coast a disaster-prone area.

According to sources, the catastrophic Cyclone Sidr hit Morelganj in Bagerhat on November 15, 2007, marking one of the worst disasters in the area's history—until Cyclone Remal in May 2024 exceeded its devastation.

Bangladesh's coastline stretches 710 kilometers: 125 km through the Sundarbans, 275 km through estuaries and islands, and 310 km along flat shores and beaches. The coastal belt spans 14 districts across Khulna, Barisal, and Chattogram divisions—from Teknaf’s Naf River estuary to the Raymangal-Kalindi rivers in Satkhira. This region houses the country’s two main seaports, Chattogram and Mongla, the world’s largest mangrove forest (Sundarbans), and one of the world's longest uninterrupted beaches—Cox's Bazar.

Approximately 25% of Bangladesh’s population lives in this coastal region, contributing around 25% to the GDP. Yet despite its economic significance, the region faces chronic neglect, inequality, and frequent natural disasters. It is paradoxical that such a richly biodiverse delta, nestled beside the Bay of Bengal and the Sundarbans, faces such hardship.

Historical records and government statistics show that from 1797 to the recent Cyclone Yaas in May, the coast has faced 494 cyclonic events, including tidal surges and storms like Gorky, Sidr, Aila, Nargis, Mahasen, Fani, Bulbul, and Amphan. Between 1970 and today, the frequency has increased—from a cyclone every 5–10 years to 174 events in just 50 years post-independence.

Global warming is increasing both the frequency and intensity of cyclones. Agricultural statistics reveal that crop production in coastal areas is declining, in contrast to other regions. Although the coastal region still contributes proportionately (23–25%) to the GDP, a deeper analysis of the shifting agricultural economy is urgently needed. If the impacts of global warming aren't controlled, this vital region could soon lose its economic significance—posing a threat not only to the local economy but to the national economy at large.Experts believe that if coastal embankments are built sustainably and properly monitored, they can last over 100 years. Strengthening embankments would boost the livelihoods of coastal and island communities. With climate change altering river flows and the nature of cyclones and surges, it's crucial to begin embankment construction and repairs immediately. A well-protected and developed coastline can uplift living standards, bringing prosperity and hope to its people.On Tuesday morning, a press conference was held at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) by the NGO leaders and Civic Group Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Movement.Mohan Kumar Mondal, Executive Director of Leaders, delivered the keynote. The presented recommendations included the urgent construction of sustainable embankments in Satkhira, Khulna, and Bagerhat, taking climate change and disaster risks into account. The statement also called for adequate cyclone shelters and resilience infrastructure. To develop the coastal economy and protect the Sundarbans and people’s livelihoods, they demanded proper monitoring of current initiatives, special allocations in the 2025–26 budget, and ensuring responsible implementation.