Waterkeepers Bangladesh

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

World Ocean Day Conference 2026

08/06/2026

World Ocean Day Conference 2026 | Bay of Bengal Assembly 2026

The second session of the Bay of Bengal Assembly 2026 was held today at the auditorium of Cox’s Bazar International University (CBIU), bringing together environmental experts, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, and youth leaders to discuss the future of Bangladesh’s marine ecosystems.

During the conference, speakers highlighted the growing threats facing the Bay of Bengal, including plastic pollution, biodiversity loss, climate change impacts, and the degradation of critical marine habitats. They stressed the need for stronger conservation measures, science-based policymaking, and greater investment in marine research and monitoring.

Speaking at the conference, Sharif Jamil, Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, emphasized the urgent need to strengthen Bangladesh’s capacity for ocean research. He noted that despite the country's vast maritime territory, Bangladesh still lacks dedicated survey vessels and many of the advanced instruments necessary for comprehensive marine research, mapping, and monitoring. He called for increased investment in scientific infrastructure, research facilities, and technical expertise to better understand and protect the country's marine resources.

Waterkeepers Bangladesh remains committed to advancing science-based advocacy and collaborative action to safeguard Bangladesh’s oceans, coasts, and waterways for future generations.

08/06/2026

World Ocean Day 2026 | Bay of Bengal Assembly 2026

In observing the World Ocean Day 2026, the Bay of Bengal Assembly 2026 has been kicked off in Cox’s Bazar. Under the theme, “Protecting Marine Biodiversity Through Pollution Mitigation and Coral Ecosystem Restoration,” the opening event brought together youth delegates, researchers, environmental advocates, and policymakers to initiate and advance dialogue, discussion, decision and action for the protection of marine ecosystems.

The started with the “Blue Wave” a Cleaning Campaign, Human Chain, and Beach Walk at Sugandha Beach. Hundreds of young participants joined hands to collect plastic wastes, raised awareness about marine pollution, and advocated for the conservation of the Bay of Bengal’s rich biodiversity, including its sea turtles, spool-billed sandpiper, coral ecosystems, and coastal habitats.

During the human chain, speakers emphasized the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution, strengthen marine conservation efforts, and restore the Bay of Bengal’s fragile ecosystems. They highlighted that unchecked pollution, destructive fishing practices, lacking the capacity and climate change continue to threaten the Bay of Bengal and millions of coastal communities.

In the Oath Taking at the end of the human chain, participants committed to work everyday for the protection of the Bay of Bengal honestly and sincerely.

08/06/2026

: The Bay of Bengal Assembly 2026 is officially underway! 🌊

Today, on World Ocean Day, hundreds of youth delegates, environmental pioneers, researchers, and policymakers are converging in Cox’s Bazar to take a stand for our marine ecosystem. Under the theme "Protecting Marine Bio-Diversity Through Pollution Mitigation and Coral Ecosystem Restoration," we are turning dialogue into direct field action!

From cleaning up our coastlines to World Ocean Day Conference, today marks a massive step toward saving our sea turtles, reclaiming our plastic-choked waters, and protecting our fragile coral heritage and marine biodiversity.

🕒 Event Schedule | June 8, 2026
10:00 AM: "Blue Wave" Cleaning Campaign, Human Chain & Beach Walk
📍 Starting Point: Sugandha Beach

01:00 PM – 02:00 PM: Lunch & Networking Break
02:30 PM – 05:00 PM: World Ocean Day Conference 2026
📍 Venue: Cox’s Bazar International University (CBIU) Auditorium
06:00 PM Onwards: Sunset Melodies: Rhythm of Nature (Music Session)
📍 Venue: Bay Watch's Bay Lounge, Inani

Today's Esteemed Guests & Panel Speakers
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Abdullah Harun Chowdhury – Prominent Academic & Environmental Researcher, Khulna University
Special Presentation: Ikramul Hasan Shakil – Founder, BON Foundation (Everester & Author)

Special Guests & Panelists:
Sharif Jamil – Coordinator, Waterkeepers Bangladesh & Member Secretary, DHORA
MD Marufat Hussain – Superintendent of Police, Tourist Police, Cox's Bazar Region
Ms. Roufa Khanum – Deputy Director, C3ER, Brac University
Muhammad Anowarul Hoque – Secretary General, Save Our Sea
Md Sariful Islam – Head of Influencing, Communications, Advocacy and Media, Oxfam in Bangladesh
Mir Mohammad Ali – Ocean Researcher & Assistant Professor, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University
MD. Tanjimul Alam Arif – Disaster Response Management Officer, Seconded by FAO / Rohingya Coordination Platform
S M Suza Uddin – Policy Analyst and Young Politician
Tanbirul Miraj Ripon – Independent Journalist with The Economist
Mohammad Abdul Hamid – Secretary, Cox’s Bazar District Rover, Bangladesh Scouts
Saifullah Sadeq – Founder and Director, Bangladesh Research Society (BDRS)
Masfikul Hasan Tony – Founder, Bengal Peace Foundation
Ahsan Rony – Executive Director, Mission Green Bangladesh

📢 Join the Movement! Whether you are joining us on the sand at Laboni Beach, in the CBIU auditorium, or for the acoustic sunset at Inani, your voice matters. Let's protect the Bay of Bengal together!

07/06/2026

Ocean Day Conference on the World Ocean Day 2026 Celebrations at Cox’s Bazar!
Date: June 8, 2026 at 3PM
Location: Cox’s Bazar

Register: https://forms.gle/KuNJwpU428Wm7sym9

This conference is a part of Bay of Bengal Assembly: World Ocean Day 2026 Celebrations at Cox’s Bazar!
The ocean is the heart of our planet, but it is under threat. Join us this June 8th at the world’s longest natural sea beach for a day of action and advocacy. This year, we are diving deep into three critical themes: Fighting Plastic Pollution, Protecting Our Coral Heritage, and Saving the Sea Turtles of the Bay of Bengal.
Date: June 8, 2026
Location: Cox’s Bazar
Organised by: Waterkeepers Bangladesh, BON Foundation, Bengal Peace Foundation, Save our Sea, Mission Green Bangladesh
THE EVENT LINEUP
1️⃣ 07:00 AM & 09:00 AM | 5K Run for Sea Turtles and The "Blue Wave" Beach Clean-up and Beach Walk
Where: Starting from Sugandha Beach, Cox's Bazar
Theme - Plastic: Let’s tackle the plastic crisis head-on. Join volunteers to clear debris and prevent microplastics from entering our food chain. and the 5K Beach Run for Turtles! Run to raise awareness for the nesting grounds of Olive Ridley turtles along our shores.
About the Event: 100 Volunteers can join for the Beach Clean-Up Campaign and Beach Walk. Every volunteer will get the Beach Clean-Up Campaign and Beach Walk Tshirt, morning snacks and cleaning gloves. and 100 runners can join the 5K Run for Sea Turtles. Every runner will get the Run Tshirt, morning snacks, hydration support and a medal.
2️⃣ 03:30 PM | World Ocean Day Conference 2026
Where: Cox's Bazar. Exact Venue will be announced soon.
Theme - Protecting Marine Bio-Diversity Through Pollution Mitigation and Coral Ecosystem Restoration
Engagement: Hear from marine scientists, experts, policy makers and youth leaders-on policy changes needed to safeguard our ocean.
About the Event: 100 youth and experts can join. It will be joined by Ocean experts from around the world. Every participant will get Session Materials, Conference Tshirt, Gifts, Certificate and snacks.
3️⃣ 06:00 PM | Sunset Melodies near the Beach: Rhythm of Nature
Where: Cox's Bazar. Exact Venue will be announced soon.
Vibe: A soulful acoustic session as the sun sets. Let the music inspire a collective promise to protect the creatures that call the Bay of Bengal home.
About the Event: Open for all
HOW TO JOIN
Volunteer: Sign up for the "Blue Wave" cleanup to help us reach our goal of 100+ kg of plastic removal.
Attend: The Ocean Day conference and 5k Run is open to registered youth activists, runners and conservationists.
Spread the Word: Use , , and to join the movement!

REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/KuNJwpU428Wm7sym9

"Protecting our Blue Heart means protecting our life." Let’s turn the tide together.
For partnership and collaboration: 01733806880

05/06/2026

Today, on the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, a citizens' gathering, mime performance, and poster distribution campaign titled “Renewable Energy Now” was held at Shyamoli Park in Dhaka. Organized under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”, the event brought together Waterkeepers Bangladesh along with representatives from more than 29 environmental, development, youth, and civic organizations, as well as environmental activists, researchers, cultural personalities, and concerned citizens.

Speakers at the event highlighted that although Bangladesh is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, the expansion of fossil fuel-dependent projects continues across the country. They emphasized that there is no alternative to a rapid and just transition to renewable energy in order to address the climate crisis and ensure a sustainable future.

The speakers called for tax exemptions and necessary incentives for the renewable energy sector in the upcoming national budget, while also demanding an end to subsidies and incentives for fossil fuels. They further urged increased use of solar and wind energy, a halt to investments in fossil fuels, and the expansion of environmentally friendly energy systems.

As part of the program, a mime performance conveying messages on the climate crisis and environmental protection was presented, and posters advocating for renewable energy and climate justice were distributed among the public.

05/06/2026

Today, on the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, one of the country's largest environmental initiatives was launched through simultaneous tree plantation drives, human chains, and awareness campaigns across all 64 districts of Bangladesh. Waterkeepers Bangladesh joined this nationwide initiative organized under the theme “Plant Trees, Save Trees.”

The program was officially inaugurated this morning at Shyamoli Park in Dhaka through a tree plantation event. The opening ceremony also featured a human chain demanding environmental protection and various awareness-raising activities. Similar programs are being carried out simultaneously in districts across the country.

The nationwide initiative aims to plant and ensure the maintenance of more than one million trees, while increasing public awareness about environmental conservation and promoting a greener, more sustainable Bangladesh. Local volunteers, students, environmental activists, and concerned citizens are actively participating in the campaign throughout the country.

05/06/2026

বিশ্ব পরিবেশ দিবস ২০২৬ উপলক্ষে ৬৪ জেলায় বৃক্ষরোপণের উদ্বোধনী অনুষ্ঠানে কথা বলছেন ওয়াটারকিপার্স বাংলাদেশের সমন্বয়কারী Sharif Jamil