Human Chains & Rallies Demanding Debt Cancellation for Climate Finance

June 28, 2025

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As part of the international climate justice movement against the climate crisis, inequality, and the suffocating burden of debt, a nationwide program titled “Cancel the Debt, Change the System” was organized on Saturday, 28 June 2025. Human chains, cycling rallies, and leaflet distribution events were held simultaneously in 18 locations across Bangladesh. These programs were organized by environment and climate-focused civic platform “Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA)” and Waterkeepers Bangladesh, jointly with local environmental organizations.

In Habiganj, a cycle rally and street meeting were held. Speakers emphasized the need for climate justice and compensation for environmental damage. The rally began at BUDS KG & High School in Rajnagar and ended near the pond adjacent to Town Model Government Primary School. The speakers included Tahmina Begum Gini, Professor Md. Ikramul Wadud, Advocate Mansur Uddin Ahmed Iqbal, and Tofazzal Sohel.

In Sylhet, a cycle rally demanding river protection and climate justice was organized by Surma River Waterkeeper and Sylhet Cycle Community. The rally started at the Central Shaheed Minar. Main speaker Abdul Karim Kim (Surma River Waterkeeper) was joined by an expatriate writer and journalist Mahbubur Rahman, who inaugurated the rally.

In Mongla, a human chain and cycle rally were held at the Mithakhali Bazar. Md. Nur Alam Sheikh, Coordinator of “Sundarban Rokhhay Amra”, demanded that climate change be recognized as a human rights issue and called for the immediate shutdown of the ecologically harmful Rampal Power Plant.

In Kalapara, a human chain and a cycle rally were held on the banks of the Andharmanik River. The opening speech called for compensation for climate change and coordinated steps to improve the lives of coastal communities.

In Taltoli, Barguna, a cycle rally with over 50 students demanded the closure of the 307 MW coal-based power plant, blaming it for declining hilsa populations and risks to agriculture, biodiversity, and public health due to coal waste discharged into the Payra River.

In Patharghata, with support from the Patharghata Coastal Protection Movement, a cycle rally passed through the town and ended at Patharghata College gate, alongside a human chain demanding debt cancellation and climate finance.

In Kutubdia, a cycle rally and human chain began from Lama Bazar intersection in Boro Ghop Union, traveling through key roads of the island and ending at the Upazila gate. Coastal school students also participated.

In Chakoria, Cox’s Bazar, a cycle rally and human chain were held in the municipal area. Students from Chakoria Central High School cycled through various important locations, ending in a human chain near Janata Shopping Center.

In Jamalpur, a human chain was organized along the Dhaka–Jamalpur highway. Senior journalist and President of Combined Human Rights World (Jamalpur chapter), MH Majnu Molla, presided the event. Speakers included Dr. Md. Aminul Islam, Md. Shamiyul Islam, and Emdad Milon.

In Bogura, a cycle rally was held from Mahesthangarh Bridge to Baghopara. In a human chain at Shatmatha, speakers condemned how the Global South bears the brunt of climate disasters while being burdened with debt.

In Chatmohar, Pabna, a cycle rally and human chain were held by the Gumani River. Helalur Rahman Jewel (Convener, Chalan Beel Rokhhay Amra) presided. Chief guest Sharif Mahmud Sanju inaugurated the rally which toured the town and ended at the Shaheed Minar.

In Satkhira, a cycle rally was held in the climate-vulnerable region, starting and ending at Shaheed Abdur Razzak Park. Participants included Sundarban Foundation members and students from various educational institutions.

In Chunati Union, Lohagara Upazila, Chattogram, DHORA and Gorjon Social Welfare Organization jointly organized a cycle rally. It began at Meherunnesa High School and looped back via Anjuman Sports Ground. Students, youths, and environmentally aware locals took part.

In Rajshahi, a unique motorcycle rally was held along the banks of the Barnai River, with participation from teachers, businesspeople, and environmental activists.

In Maheshkhali and Badarkhali, cycle rallies and human chains were held. Leaflets on climate justice were distributed across local markets and neighborhoods.

In Barguna Sadar, a human chain was held on Saturday morning at Sadarghat Mosque premises. A citywide clean-up campaign followed. Over 150 volunteers from Barguna Municipality, BD Clean, Shopnopuron Foundation, Dhrubatara Youth Development Foundation, and others participated. The event was inaugurated by Barguna Municipality Administrator and Additional Deputy Commissioner Animesh Biswas.

In Maheshkhali, a rally was held jointly by DHORA and Waterkeepers Bangladesh, with participation from Maheshkhali Public Safety Forum and Kohelia River Protection Committee. Among the speakers were Abu Bakkar Siddique (Joint Convenor, Coastal Protection Foundation), Mahbub Alam Hannan, Ali Azgar, Didarul Islam, and Md. Manik. The event was moderated by Maulana Md. Mohsin.

In Pekua, a cycle rally and human chain were held on the Pekua Submarine Naval Base Road. DHORA (Pekua Branch) and the Salt-Fisheries-Agriculture Welfare Association co-hosted the event. Delwar Hossain (Coordinator, DHORA-Pekua) presided. Chief guest was former chairman of Ujantia Union, Touhidul Islam Chowdhury. Among the speakers were Abdul Halim, Jahangir Alam Badsha, Fazal Kader, and Shofiul Alam Baten, along with members of the Coastal Rover Scouts and local students.

In Badarkhali, a human chain was held in the bank of river Matamuhuri. Speakers demanded urgent financing for climate action instead of loans and called for the immediate halt of coal-based power plants. Notable participants included Md. Jahangir Alam and Saiful Islam, teachers of Badarkhali Degree College, poet-journalist Saiful Mostafa, and social worker Omar Faruq Badri.