Statement on challenges facing Bangladesh
The following is a statement from Citizens’ Climate International Program Director Cathy Orlando.
My connection to Bangladesh runs deep—my great-great-grandfather, Sir John Eliot KCIE FRS, lived and worked in the region for decades. He was a distinguished meteorologist and served as the director-general of Indian meteorological observatories from 1899 to 1903. His work on improving monsoon predictions in the Bay of Bengal, in what is now Bangladesh, reflects a legacy of scientific inquiry that resonates with me today, as we face the immense challenges of climate change.
This connection adds a personal layer to my work as director of programs at Citizens' Climate International (CCI), where I have the honour of helping our leaders around the world create a sustainable and just future for all.
Since 2020, Citizens’ Climate International has helped to build a national network in Bangladesh, with chapters in Barisal, Chattogram, Dhaka, Rangpur, and Sylhet. These chapters are dedicated to climate action, and their efforts inspire me.
Recent events in Bangladesh have been extremely challenging. A violent crackdown on student protests led to hundreds of civilian deaths and ultimately resulted in the justified resignation of the Bangladeshi government. Then, in mid-August, devastating floods struck Eastern Bangladesh and Northeastern India, leaving dozens dead and millions stranded.
The Nobel laureate and economist Mohammad Yunus, now Bangladesh's interim leader, has links to our organization. His pioneering work with the Grameen Bank shares a legacy with Citizens' Climate Lobby's founder, Marshall Saunders, who was the only non-head of state to be a recipient of the Grameen Foundation Award when he won it. Both have shown how grassroots efforts can address global challenges.
In these times of crisis, our interconnectedness is undeniable. The crises in Bangladesh are a reminder that it is through relationships, love, and a commitment to human rights, deep listening, and democracy, that we can navigate the climate crisis together.