Taken by the river. The migrants of Bangladesh who have lost everything they own to climate change

Bangladeshi MP Kazi Papul sentenced to four years in Kuwait for human trafficking

Bangladeshi lawmaker Kazi Mohammad Shahid Islam, also known as Kazi Papul, has been sentenced to four years in jail by a Kuwait court for human trafficking and fined 1.9 million dinars. The article discusses the implications of this conviction on his status as a Member of Parliament (MP) in Bangladesh. The Constitution of Bangladesh does not clearly state whether a conviction abroad affects an MP's position. Comparatively, the Supreme Court of India has set precedents for terminating government employees convicted abroad. Legal experts suggest that a similar approach could apply to MPs in Bangladesh. The article also mentions a separate issue where Papul is accused of providing false educational qualifications during the 11th parliamentary elections. The Election Commission's decision on Papul's membership is pending, and the Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad must be informed of Papul's punishment for further action. The article concludes that any resolution to the controversy must be found within the constitution.

Bangladesh's Pollution Crisis Highlighted at Global Biodiversity Treaty Negotiations

The article discusses the environmental challenges faced by Bangladesh, particularly in terms of pollution, as highlighted during the global biodiversity treaty negotiations in Nairobi. The Asian Development Bank reports that Bangladesh has the highest river water pollution levels in Asia, with severe threats to water security due to untreated urban and industrial wastewater. The Bangladesh Environment Survey indicates that unplanned urbanization and industrialization, especially in Dhaka, are exacerbating environmental damage. The World Bank notes a significant increase in plastic use and pollution, with young people being the major consumers of disposable plastics. The National Food Security Research Council study, sponsored by the FAO, reveals a dramatic increase in pesticide use, leading to water contamination and health risks. The article also mentions ongoing discussions at the Convention on Biological Diversity to establish minimum levels of agri-chemical pollution and the challenges of balancing crop yields with public health impacts.

Challenges in Protecting the Sundarbans and Its Wildlife Discussed at Global Biodiversity Meeting

The article discusses the ongoing efforts and challenges in conserving the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest located in Bangladesh. At the Open-Ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework in Nairobi, issues such as the protection of mangrove forests and the conservation of wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tigers, were highlighted. Despite international efforts, the tiger population in Bangladesh has not increased significantly. Local fishermen's harmful practices, such as using poison to catch fish, are causing damage to the ecosystem. The article also points out the lack of resources and proper law enforcement by the forest department. Environmental NGO Bangladesh Paribesh Bachao Andolan criticizes the government's lack of initiative in protecting the Sundarbans. The article emphasizes the need for global investment in biodiversity conservation and the importance of government commitment to meet global biodiversity targets.