BAPA has already been able to bring about certain positive changes in Bangladesh environment. Working together with other pro-environment forces, BAPA has been successful to
- Make the government implement removal of two-stroke engine vehicles (TSEV) that were one of the major causes of urban air pollution in Bangladesh;
- Make the government to put an end to the use of leaded gasoline in Bangladesh;
- Make the government re-impose the ban on the use of polythene bags; cheap bags outlet
- Encourage and spread the environment movement to various districts of Bangladesh;
- Organize the International Conference on Bangladesh Environment (ICBEN) 2002, leading to the publication of volumes containing up to date information on and analysis of all major environmental problems of Bangladesh and updating Dhaka Declaration on Bangladesh Environment to 2002;
- Initiate a river saving movement in Dhaka, leading to the removal of many structures encroaching rivers in and around Dhaka.cheap bags outlet
- Organize the International Conference on Regional Cooperation on Transboundary Rivers (ICRCTR) 2004 to draw attention to the likely impact of the proposed Indian River Linking
- Organize the International Conference on Regional Cooperation on Transboundary Rivers (ICRCTR) 2004 to draw attention to the likely impact of the proposed Indian River Linking Project (IRLP) and leading to the publication of the volume that is now the most comprehensive source of information and analysis regarding IRLP;
- Adopt a comprehensive Resolution on Rivers that reveals the flaws of the Commercial Approach to rivers and argues for the Ecological Approach to rivers;
- Initiate a country-wide river saving movement through organization of the National Conference on Rivers in 2006; and
- Organize the National Conference on Energy and Environment to discuss and adopt the comprehensive Resolution on Energy, as a guide for future sustained campaign on these issues.
Role of non-resident Bangladeshis
The civic society of Bangladesh is no longer limited to the geographic boundary of Bangladesh. A large Bangladeshi Diaspora has developed, and members of this Diaspora, non-resident Bangladeshis (NRB), are now taking an active part in Bangladesh’s social life, thanks to the ease in communication. Accordingly, pro-environment NRBs, through their global network, Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN) are playing an active role in Bangladesh’s pro-environment efforts. BEN played a crucial role in organizing ICBEN and in forming BAPA. BAPA is Bangladesh’s first civic movement that is a joint effort of resident and non-resident Bangladeshis. BEN is playing a crucial role in BAPA through its support and cooperation.
BAPA: A unique organization
BAPA has several unique features. The first is the active participation of non-resident Bangladeshis. Second, BAPA is a self-financed, member-supported organization. BAPA is therefore not a NGO. BAPA wants to practice and spread the principle of self-reliance. Financial self-reliance allows BAPA to take an independent and objective view of Bangladesh’s environmental issues and their possible solutions. BAPA’s self-reliance and independence are getting increasing recognition. Third, BAPA has an innovative organizational structure allowing both organizations and individuals to be its members. Such a flexible structure is making it easy for all sincere pro-environment forces to gather in BAPA
Bangladesh is gradually progressing toward an environmental disaster. It will be difficult to avert this disaster unless wide-ranging vigorous efforts are adopted on a timely basis, some requiring immediate actions.. BAPA has launched a movement against the possible disaster. BAPA appeals to all environment conscious individuals, organizations, and institutions to join this movement. Let’s unite to protect Bangladesh’s environment for us and our future generations. It is our noble duty!