BELA Urges Immediate Action: Stop the Project Now!

Protests are heating up at Jahangirnagar University after the removal of over 50 trees. The Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) is stepping in, calling for an immediate stop to projects that harm the environment on campus.

BELA, represented by Advocate S Hasanul Banna, demands a pause on all construction until a green master plan is in place. They insist that the same number and type of trees cut down should be replanted. The organization highlights a worrying trend: in the past 35 years, around 40% of the university’s wetlands and 26.5% of its trees have disappeared. This loss threatens local wildlife and the university’s role as a haven for migratory birds.

A biodiversity team at the university warns that if development goes ahead, 2,055 plants from 28 different species could be lost, significantly harming the school’s ecosystem. BELA criticized the current project for lacking a comprehensive plan and for skipping crucial planning steps. They are urging authorities to prevent further environmental damage.

Meanwhile, students are vocal on campus, protesting for the third day under the banner of Save Jahangirnagar Movement with an event called “Songs of Life, Songs of Nature.” They are also calling for the removal of project director Nasir Uddin and engineer Ahsan Habib due to their role in the tree removal.

This situation highlights a broader issue many universities face: balancing development with environmental stewardship. A 2022 survey from the National Wildlife Federation found that 70% of students believe campuses should prioritize sustainability. As awareness grows, more students are pushing for responsible management of their campuses.

In a world facing climate change, the fate of Jahangirnagar University may resonate beyond its borders, inspiring other educational institutions to prioritize their natural habitats.

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