Civil society representatives in Cox's Bazar have demanded the immediate relocation of the city's garbage dumping stations warning that toxic fumes and unplanned waste management are endangering public health in the tourist city.
The demand came at a human chain organized by civic group "Amra Cox's Bazarbasi" at the Cox's Bazar Municipality premises on August 19. Afterward the protesters submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner and Municipal Administrator.
Chaired by city committee president Momtaz Safina Azim and moderated by Joint General Secretary Mostafa Kamal Rifat, speakers from various social environmental and political organizations voiced strong criticism.
Cox's Bazar Society President Gias Uddin called the open dumping site in the city center "an extremely reckless and unplanned decision" warning that the stench and toxic waste threaten public health. BAPA district committee president Zafar Alam Didar said the dumping stations violate basic environmental principles and are damaging the city's ecological balance and natural beauty.
Nazim Uddin, general secretary of "Amra Cox's Bazarbasi," said residents were suffering from infectious diseases linked to the garbage and warned of a stronger with sustained movement if the dumping site is not relocated away from residential and commercial areas. Chhayanir President Kallol De said the municipal authorities' failure to develop sustainable waste management has left ordinary citizens paying the price.
The human chain drew participation from vice presidents Mahbubur Rahman and Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, general secretary Kamal Uddin, Chamber of Commerce director Jahedul Islam Riton, former student leader Faruk Azam and several other civic, business and political figures.
Protest leaders warned that if their demands are not met within the proposed time frame also they will launch a larger more sustained street movement.
