TIB Raises Alarm Over Sand Dune Filling for Cox's Bazar Road Project

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over the filling of sand dunes to construct a road and city protection embankment in the ecologically critical area of the Sugandha-Kolatoli beach in Cox's Bazar. The infrastructure development initiative, which threatens the local coastal landscape, is receiving financial backing from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Addressing the controversial undertaking, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman emphasized the vital ecological role played by the coastal features of the region. He stated that the sand dunes and coastal vegetation of the sea beach are not merely environmental assets, but function as natural protective barriers against storms, tidal surges, sea waves, and coastal erosion.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman further elaborated on the contradiction between the ongoing construction and true developmental goals. He noted that implementing a development project by destroying the normal functionality of an important coastal ecosystem is in no way compatible with sustainable development.

Highlighting the critical need for proper environmental assessments in vulnerable zones, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stressed that it is essential to properly evaluate the long-term climate and environmental risks of projects before undertaking infrastructure construction in ecologically sensitive areas.

The expression of concern by TIB brings significant attention to the environmental implications of the JICA-funded project in Cox's Bazar. As scrutiny continues over the destruction of the sand dunes at the Sugandha-Kolatoli beach, stakeholders await responses regarding the environmental mitigation strategies for the road and city protection embankment.