Hundreds of youth activists pledge to protect Bay of Bengal on World Oceans Day

Hundreds of young environmental activists, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders gathered in Cox’s Bazar today to mark World Oceans Day 2026, pledging to protect the Bay of Bengal from growing threats posed by pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

The day-long programme also marked the official launch of the “Bay of Bengal Assembly”, a collaborative platform initiated by a coalition of environmental organisations, including Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Bon Foundation, Bengal Peace Foundation, Save Our Sea, and Mission Green Bangladesh.

Held under the theme of marine biodiversity conservation through pollution mitigation and coral ecosystem restoration, the event brought together stakeholders to discuss the environmental challenges facing Bangladesh’s marine frontier and explore pathways toward a sustainable blue economy.

Activities began in the morning at Laboni and Sugandha points, where more than a hundred youth volunteers formed a symbolic human chain and conducted a beach clean-up campaign, removing plastic waste from the shoreline.

The participants later joined the World Ocean Day Conference 2026 at Cox’s Bazar International University (CBIU), where environmental experts highlighted concerns over microplastic pollution, degradation of coral ecosystems around Saint Martin’s Island, and the loss of nesting habitats for endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles due to unregulated tourism and coastal pollution.

Speaking at the conference, Sharif Jamil, coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, stressed the need for urgent policy reforms to protect Bangladesh’s marine resources.

“The Bay of Bengal is not an unlimited dumping ground; it is the living heart of our nation. Without controlling pollution and strengthening governance, sustainable blue economy goals cannot be achieved,” he said.

Ahsan Rony, founder and executive director of Mission Green Bangladesh, underscored the role of young people in environmental stewardship.

“Through the Youth4Ocean platform, we want to transform young people from observers into active stakeholders in marine conservation,” he said.

The conference also witnessed the launch of the digital “Youth4Ocean” platform, designed to engage the next generation in coastal and marine conservation initiatives.

Raufa Khanam, deputy director of the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER) at BRAC University, warned that rising sea temperatures and local pollution are pushing Saint Martin’s fragile coral ecosystems toward irreversible decline.

“We must integrate evidence-based research and climate adaptation strategies into coastal management policies if we are to protect this unique marine heritage,” she said.

Everest summiteer and Bon Foundation founder Ikramul Hasan Shakil called for nationwide solidarity to protect the Bay of Bengal, while Mohammad Anwarul Haque, secretary general of Save Our Sea, highlighted the critical role oceans play in producing oxygen and sustaining life on Earth.

The programme concluded in the evening with a cultural event titled “Sunset Melodies: Rhythm of Nature” at Inani Beach, blending music, storytelling, and environmental advocacy to inspire collective action for ocean conservation.

Environmental researchers, academics, development professionals, law enforcement officials, and youth leaders from across the country

also participated in the event.