A healthcare session had previously been organised with the support of health workers to address the impacts of saline water. Emphasising the seriousness of the issue, Ferdouse Hossain, Chairman of Islamkathi Union Parishad, stated that such healthcare and awareness sessions should now be conducted every month to better protect community health
Satkhira, a coastal district near the Sundarbans, continues to face severe challenges due to recurring floods and increasing salinity. These conditions disproportionately affect women and children, leading to serious health problems and limiting access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities. During floods, security and sanitation in shelters also become major concerns, particularly for women and children.
To address these issues, the Youth for Policy Satkhira Committee, with support from the
Youth for Policy central team, organised a Social Accountability Advocacy Forum in Satkhira. The forum brought together men, women, local leaders, youth volunteers, and community members to share findings from community-led research, discuss lived experiences, and plan collective actions for sustainable community change.
Union Parishad female member Lata Begum highlighted the importance of regular community engagement. “After being elected, I visit the community every month to understand people’s problems,” she said. “Despite differences in political opinions, I am committed to working collaboratively with all parties to address health problems caused by saline water, based on the voices and needs of the people.”
Union Parishad election candidate Nayem pointed out the environmental risks, saying, “Water is a blessing, but during floods it often becomes a curse. Saline water enters households, and afterward people are forced to drink saline water from tube wells, which has serious negative impacts on health.” He also stressed the need to work with the local NGO Uttoron to develop easier and more effective water drainage pathways.
Selina, a community resident, shared “For many years, we have lacked access to fresh drinking water. This has disrupted our lives and led to many health-related illnesses, particularly affecting our children.”
Community research conducted by local youth under the Social Accountability initiative revealed deeper challenges faced by the community, including gender-based discrimination, lack of social security, limited access to education and healthcare, workplace inequality, and high vulnerability to natural disasters. These findings underscored the urgency of implementing the action plan developed during the forum.
During the discussion, participants identified several priority actions:
- Monthly awareness sessions on menstrual health and hygiene led by Union health workers
- Collaboration between local leaders and NGO Uttoron to implement an accessible water release and drainage system
- Active engagement of local leaders with the Union Parishad committee to listen to and respond to community concerns
- Regular monitoring by youth volunteers, who will act as a bridge between community members and decision-makers
The forum concluded with a strong message: when youth from the community take the lead, other stakeholders—including local government, NGOs, and service providers—are more willing to engage, collaborate, and take responsibility. Participants agreed that empowering local youth is key to strengthening accountability, ensuring inclusive decision-making, and driving long-term solutions to flood-related and saline water–induced health challenges.