London Hosts Dialogue and Exhibition on Bangladesh’s Climate Crisis – A New Chapter in Diaspora Environmental Awareness
Ansar Ahmed Ullah, London Correspondent:
A special discussion and photo exhibition focusing on the devastating impact of climate change in Bangladesh and its humanitarian consequences was held at Queen Mary University, London. The event, titled “The Kindness of People to Face the Climate Crisis in Bangladesh Together,” took place on November 4 at the ArtsOne building and was organized by British humanitarian and environmental activist Peter Musgrave, in collaboration with the Swadhinata Trust. The program was part of this year’s Season of Bangla Drama festival.
The evening began with the opening of a photo exhibition in the ArtsOne foyer, featuring images that captured the harsh realities faced by communities across Bangladesh—floods, cyclones, droughts, tidal surges—and the resilience of people living amidst such adversities. The exhibition highlighted stories from coastal and river erosion areas, showcasing the endurance, solidarity, and innovative spirit of marginalized groups grappling with climate-induced challenges.
This year’s theme for Season of Bangla Drama was “Kindness”, reflected throughout the event, where the efforts of NGOs and social organizations working to uplift local communities were showcased, including their role in rehabilitation and sustainable development.
Later in the evening, a multimedia presentation was delivered by Peter Musgrave, who shared insights from his nine years of humanitarian and environmental work in Bangladesh. Through photographs, short films, music, poetry, and field research stories, Musgrave addressed the urgent and deeply human dimensions of climate change in Bangladesh, particularly in coastal areas.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Kazi Ruksana Begum, Arts Officer of the Tower Hamlets Council, who underscored the global relevance of Bangladesh’s climate crisis and the responsibility of the diaspora community in advocating for change.
Anisha Chandrashekhar, representative of the Swadhinata Trust, introduced the keynote guest and highlighted the significance of the exhibition in raising climate awareness.
The cultural segment featured performances by Dr. Shyamal Chowdhury, Sunita Chowdhury, Mitali Banwari, and Rumi Haque. Poetry recitations were presented by Sunita Chowdhury and Rumi Haque, while Sadequl Ahmed Chowdhury provided technical support.
The event not only magnified the looming climate threats Bangladesh continues to face but also showcased the collective resilience, compassion, and adaptive strength of its people. For the Bangladeshi diaspora in London, it stood as a heartfelt testament to the urgent need for global climate solidarity.
