Coastal voters demand real action ahead of polls

Khulna Correspondent :

Voting for the 13th parliamentary election is set to begin on Thursday, February 12, with the campaign period now drawing to a close. As the country prepares for the polls, coastal voters – the very people at the centre of election pledges – are reflecting on long-standing concerns and unmet promises.

Residents of the Sundarbans-surrounded coastal belt say they are growing weary of hearing the same development commitments election after election. Despite the region’s significant contribution to the national economy, many locals believe it has remained deprived of adequate infrastructure and sustained investment for decades.

The coastal population continues to battle the direct impacts of climate change, including cyclones, storm surges, river erosion, and increasing salinity.

During every election season, candidates pledge solutions such as riverbank protection, durable embankments, access to safe drinking water, and expanded employment opportunities. Yet, many residents say these commitments rarely translate into lasting improvements.

Compounding the situation, leasing of key government canals has reportedly disrupted proper drainage, worsening waterlogging during the monsoon. Farmlands are often submerged, and freshwater sources are increasingly turning saline, further threatening livelihoods. Although the region is frequently promoted as a potential tourism hub centred around the Sundarbans, locals claim that sustainable job creation for residents has yet to materialise.

These challenges now dominate political discussions across the coastal constituencies.
Candidates are once again promising resilient embankments, improved drainage systems, security for fishermen operating in the Sundarbans, and employment initiatives. Some are also proposing tourism development, improved rail and road connectivity, and rehabilitation programmes for vulnerable communities.

However, many voters say past experiences have made them cautious. This time, they insist they are not looking for campaign rhetoric alone – they want clear, implementable plans and visible action that can finally address the region’s long-standing vulnerabilities.