We often hear about
Bangladesh’s coastal communities during cyclones, tidal surges and natural
disasters. At that time, television screens, social media platforms and
newspaper headlines highlight the vulnerability of coastal people. However,
once the disasters pass, the everyday struggles of these communities rarely
receive attention. Yet their biggest challenges remain access to safe drinking
water, employment opportunities and basic civic facilities.Burir Dabar village, located
in Ward No. 9 of Laudope Union under Dacope Upazila of Khulna district, is one
such community. Situated very close to the Sundarbans, the people of this
village spend their lives struggling against nature. Most families here depend
on the forest for their livelihoods. Some collect honey, some catch crabs,
while others collect keora fruits and sell them in local markets. Behind every
income opportunity lies a significant risk.They enter the forest despite
the dangers of tiger attacks, crocodiles, venomous snakes, strong river
currents and sudden adverse weather conditions. They take these risks because
their families depend on the income they earn from the forest.But when people who work
under such dangerous conditions return home and cannot even find a glass of
safe drinking water, how meaningful is the story of development for them?The biggest challenge faced
by the people of Burir Dabar village is access to safe water. Rainwater remains
their primary source of drinking water. During the monsoon, they collect and
store rainwater, trying to use it throughout much of the year. However, most
families do not have water tanks with sufficient storage capacity. Although some
tanks have been provided through initiatives by non-government organisations,
they are far fewer than the actual needs of the entire village.As a result, many families
run out of stored water before the rainy season ends. After that, they face the
difficult reality of collecting water from distant sources.This crisis is not only about
water; it is also a crisis of time, labour and health. Valuable hours of family
members are spent every day just collecting water. If this time could be used
for education, farming, income-generating activities or other essential
household needs, their lives could improve significantly.At the same time, the
employment crisis is becoming increasingly severe. Alternative sources of
income outside forest-based livelihoods are extremely limited. As a result,
when the forest is closed or work is disrupted due to natural causes, many
families lose their income. Food insecurity then becomes a harsh reality. Many
families are forced to depend on loans to survive.The government and various
development organisations have implemented several projects to improve the
livelihoods of coastal communities. However, the reality remains that many
families are still deprived of safe water, sustainable employment opportunities
and necessary infrastructure. Development cannot be considered complete if its
benefits do not reach the most vulnerable communities.The demands of the people of
Burir Dabar village are simple: a rainwater harvesting tank for every family,
sustainable access to safe drinking water and alternative employment
opportunities. These are not special privileges; they are basic rights of
citizens.The challenges of coastal
areas are becoming more complex due to the impacts of climate change. Salinity
is increasing, freshwater sources are declining and pressure on livelihoods is
growing. In this situation, relief assistance or post-disaster support alone is
not enough. Long-term planning is needed, giving equal importance to safe
water, livelihoods, education, healthcare and climate-resilient infrastructure.We often talk about
protecting the Sundarbans. But without improving the quality of life of the
people living beside the forest for generations, the goal of conserving the
Sundarbans will remain incomplete. These communities know the forest better
than anyone, depend on it for survival and will benefit the most when the
forest remains healthy and protected.Development will become
meaningful only when a mother in Burir Dabar no longer worries about providing
a safe glass of water to her child. When a forest-dependent worker knows that
after risking his life for a livelihood, his family’s basic needs will at least
be secured.The responsibility of the
state and society towards coastal communities should not exist only during
disasters; it must continue every day of the year. Because they are not merely
people living on the margins of the coast—they are equal citizens of this
country with equal rights.Opinion & AnalysisKayes
Ahmed Selim
Investigative Journalist, The Daily Jugantor
Managing Director, Vaiya Broadcast Limited
1 hours ago
