In the present time, powerful governments around the world are turning to dictatorships and climate commitments are being delayed or destroyed. Multinationals and fossil fuel companies are wreaking havoc. Marginalized populations are facing the most adverse impacts but are not included in the decision-making or implementation of the decisions that result.

We must draw the line now to end inequalities, dictatorship, genocide, destruction, and for rights, jobs, justice, democracy and a fulfilling life on a safe planet, and change the system through an equitable and just transition.

These are the demands raised by civil society speakers at a sit-in in Dhaka as part of the Global Week of Action, before COP30 in Brazil, when world leaders meet for the UN General Assembly in September 25. 

EquityBD, Dharitree Rakhe Amara [Dhara], CPRD, Bangladesh Krishak Federation, Brighters, Missiongreen Bangladesh, NRDS, OAB Foundation, Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Movement, Bangladesh Hawkers Federation, and 350.0rg jointly organized a sit-in program at Shyamli Park Ground on Friday, September 19 at 10:30 am.

This sit-in program was held simultaneously in 34 places across the country, including Dhaka.

The speakers were Iqbal Faruk of Dhara, Mostafa Kamal Akand of EquityBD, Badrul Alam of Bangladesh Krishak Federation, Faisal Ahmed of River Bangla, Abul Hossain of Bangladesh Hawkers Federation, Omar Faruk of BDCSO Process, Mir Mohammad Ali, Ass. Prof. Sher-E-Bangla Agriculture University, etc.

In his welcome speech for the program, Iqbal Faruk said that this program is about taking a stand against inequalities, dictatorship, genocide, destruction, and chaos around the world, and fighting for the power of our people and democracy to ensure a safe and healthy future for all. 

EquityBD Coordinator Mustafa Kamal Akand said, today we stand together to demand the fundamental rights of humanity, employment, justice, democracy and a fulfilling life. We believe that a safe world is the birthright of all people. But the reality is that discrimination, tyranny, genocide, destruction and chaos still deprive people in many parts of the world.

He also said, we want a world where employment, not hunger, defines a person. We want a society where justice applies equally to all. We see democracy not only as the right to vote, but also as the right to human dignity, freedom of expression and participation in decision-making.

Abul Hossain said that democracy is shrinking and capitalism is growing. Wherever capitalism has its grip, there will be exploitation. Therefore, there must be a will to fight against exploitation and injustice by awakening the people.