Speakers call for stronger media role in protecting climate migrants

Speakers at a media advocacy meeting in Khulna called on journalists to play a stronger role in advancing protections for people displaced by climate change, as rising environmental pressures continue to drive coastal communities from their homes. The event, organized by Caritas Bangladesh’s Khulna region at the Khulna Press Club on Tuesday, focused on strengthening social safety nets for climate-induced migrants. Enamul Haque, convener of the press club, attended as the chief guest.
Participants highlighted how recurrent cyclones, salinity intrusion, and river erosion are forcing many in coastal areas to abandon their homesteads and move to urban centres, often ending up in precarious living conditions.
This growing displacement, they noted, is placing increasing strain on both livelihoods and urban systems.
Speakers urged the media to raise public awareness, influence policy discourse, and advocate for inclusive social protection mechanisms that address the specific needs of climate migrants.
The keynote paper was presented by Dr Mohammad Ismail Hossain, while journalists and community leaders also took part in the discussion.