BCCP

Climate change drives environmental outcomes that increase the risk of enslavement: Bangladesh is among countries with the highest prevalence

The World Bank predicts that by 2050, 216 million people will be forced to migrate within their own countries solely because of climate change. This forced migration will make them more vulnerable to the risk of human trafficking and modern slavery. Bangladesh is among countries with the highest prevalence of modern slavery within Asia and the Pacific (nine out of 27), and ranks 56th out of 160 countries globally.

What’s the issue?
Climate change and modern slavery are linked closely together in a vicious circle. Climate-induced disaster, environmental degradation and growing scarcity of resources are affecting many communities, driving millions of people into poverty and forcing many to migrate in search of work, food or safety. In many cases, victims of the climate emergency will be left more vulnerable to forms of modern slavery, including human trafficking, forced labor and child slavery.

Three of the ways that climate change and modern slavery are linked:

When people are forced to migrate, they face greater risks of human trafficking and forced labor. People who lose their livelihoods, income and ties to their community are often made vulnerable to exploitation, and in the worst cases, modern slavery, as they are forced to migrate. By 2050, the World Bank estimates that more than 143 million people will have been forced from their homes in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America because of climate change.
The same industries that drive climate change leave people vulnerable to forced migration. Extractive industries and agricultural businesses in particular contribute to the emissions that drive climate change, while also profoundly damaging the land and water that ordinary people rely upon. This pushes many more people into poverty and forces them to leave their homes and communities, making them more vulnerable to people traffickers and at risk of slavery.
Many victims of the climate emergency are exploited by businesses that contribute to the problem. Many of the people forced into migration by the climate emergency find themselves trafficked into forced labor, some within the very industries that are degrading the environment – completing a vicious circle in which climate change drives, and is driven by, modern slavery.

These problems are especially acute in low-income countries, which tend to suffer most from the impacts of climate-induced disasters. Low-income countries also find it hardest to recover from the loss and damage caused by devastating floods, droughts, heatwaves, cyclones and rising sea levels – leaving many millions of people worldwide trapped in situations where they can be exploited. We must make sure people are protected from the consequences of climate change.

What do we need to see?
We need to see a concerted global effort to address climate change and how it fuels human trafficking and modern slavery. By 2025, we aim to make sure governments, power holders, businesses and other stakeholders recognize climate change and environmental degradation as a major reason why people are exploited in modern slavery.

We are building a global movement, with participation from partners in the Global South and the communities most affected by the climate emergency. We are campaigning for laws, policies and support that will break the link between climate change and slavery. We must work together so we can better protect people who are facing the impacts of climate change, from being left vulnerable to slavery as well.

What we can do about it?
We have identified important ways in which people can be protected from slavery that is driven by the climate crisis. These may include:

Legal protection. We are campaigning at the national and international level, partnering with climate change experts to make sure that climate change is recognized as contributing to modern slavery. We are working to make sure that climate finance through the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is used to address climate-induced vulnerability to modern slavery, and that national climate plans (on adaptation, resilience and loss and damage) incorporate modern slavery considerations, so that governments and international bodies can establish appropriate protections.
Just transition. As people around the world tackle climate change, there will be changes in economies and whole industries as they transition towards sustainable practices. When it comes to renewable energy, we need to make sure that the supply chains of renewable technology, such as solar panels, are free from forced labor and exploitation. The transitions of our societies need to be just and fair: we cannot afford to leave people vulnerable to slavery as a result of crucial work to tackle climate change.
Leave no-one behind. We already know that many people are particularly vulnerable to modern slavery, because of who they are and where they were born. We consider rural and agricultural communities and indigenous peoples, focusing on gender, disability, caste and other factors which compound exclusion and increase risk of slavery, making sure that nobody is left behind.

From forests to factories: How modern slavery deepens the crisis of climate change
Globally those in slavery, though small in absolute numbers (est. 40.2 million), contribute disproportionately to environmental destruction and carbon emissions. Concurrently, human caused changes to the global ecosystem have significant impacts on human life, creating vulnerability and displacement that drive modern slavery. This circular relationship is explored through the interaction of contemporary slavery with multiple anthropogenic processes recognized as “planetary boundaries.” It is a key assertion that the study of human rights (and slavery in particular), and the study of anthropogenic impacts, have been falsely seen as distinct and separate issues. In this perspective, we map an unfolding and extremely troubling nexus between slavery, environmental degradation, and carbon emissions. We break this challenge down into the interconnected processes of extreme weather, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and pollution from manufacturing and resource extraction. We discuss how climate change is a threat multiplier to slavery, but also how slavery is a threat multiplier to the causes of climate change. We conclude by offering compelling policy implications to address these threat multipliers, to help guide future research and policy pathways.

Operating in the shadows, without regard for international laws, treaties, or environmental protections, slaveholders are destroying some of the planet’s most ecologically vital places— the very ecosystems most critical for maintaining a stable climate, or potentially mitigating the impacts of global climate change. Modern slavery—defined as the suppression and possession of a person as if they are property including their control, use, management, and profit - is placing under siege our national forests, wildlife preserves, and the protected homes and territories of indigenous peoples and endangered species.

Addressing climate change and modern slavery threat multipliers
Modern slavery, then, acts as a “threat multiplier” to climate change, something that takes existing causes or threats and multiplies them or makes them worse, impinging on global security. These threats are felt most severely among the poor and disempowered in the developing world. The tensions and challenges cross and degrade multiple “planetary boundaries”, in ways that drive vulnerability and exploitation, such as armed conflict, forced displacement, political policies that increase discrimination, and exclusion based on ethnic, religious, or political difference. Modern slavery becomes interlinked with other social and political threats, including high levels of corruption; the lack of economic and democratic freedoms; legal and social discrimination based on race, ethnicity, and/or gender; and extreme poverty.

Interestingly, there is a temporal dimension to the relationship between climate change and slavery as well. When a natural disaster occurs in a location or the impacts of climate change begin to unfold, they bring to an end the existing patterns of criminal trafficking and slavery. As with all other activities, in the wake of a cyclone or tsunami, there is an end to “business as usual” – including the criminal businesses of human trafficking and enslavement. Criminal enterprises rely on much of the same infrastructure of buildings, communications, and transport links as legitimate businesses. Criminal traffickers will flee before catastrophe arrives just as others do. The well-being of the people they control and exploit is another question, so their victims may be moved away from the threat, or abandoned to their fates.

Moreover, criminal businesses and slaveowners are adaptable, innovative, and quick to respond to changing situations. The levels of risk criminal enterprises experience are rather greater than that of legitimate businesses, so they are familiar with rapid contingency planning and response. In the event of a natural disaster, criminals are just as likely as other residents to evacuate the area; and being criminals, they are more likely to have secure transport available and portable financial resources. In addition to their own personal safety they will be looking to preserve or remove needed equipment and tools as well as key human assets. Once they have achieved self-preservation, they will consider and adapt to whatever opportunities they might perceive within the disaster and its aftermath. If the focus of their criminal enterprise has been exploiting people, they are likely to recognize the potential for the "recruitment" of prime workers in the context of heightened vulnerability.

Slavery and environmental destruction
The link between slavery and environmental destruction and climate change has been shown to be circular, compelling, and calamitous. Climate change drives environmental outcomes that increase the risk of enslavement. Slaves are commonly forced into work highly destructive to the environment, which then increases the pressures on vulnerable populations. Slavery is also a burden upon economies; it removes people from the opportunity of education and human capital formation, while it springs from and supports corruption and conflict.

Moreover, up until now, the study of human rights (and slavery in particular), and the study of its anthropogenic impacts on the climate have been falsely seen as distinct and separate issues and areas of inquiry. Human rights, however, do not exist in isolation from the natural environment; and the detrimental impact of anthropogenic change on the natural environment can be exacerbated by the diminution of human rights. This separation of the cultural, social, and legal from the natural and environmental is a false and potentially fatal dichotomy, one that only entrenches “climate precarity”. The nascent idea of their interrelatedness may be clear within some policy frameworks, but where it has failed to gain traction is at the sharp end of both human rights violations and environmental destruction. It is in the crucible of enslavement that workers are being forced to commit, for example, large-scale illegal deforestation or dangerously polluting open-cast mining. These two violations of international human rights and environmental law reinforce each other and in doing so multiply their negative impacts.

Modern slavery in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is outperforming higher-income neighbors in its efforts to address modern slavery. The government has among the strongest responses to modern slavery within Asia and the Pacific and has taken steps to improve its response since the 2018 Global Slavery Index (GSI), for example, through ratifying the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labor Convention, 1930, and launching national action plans to end child marriage and human trafficking. However, significant gaps remain in efforts to identify and support survivors, and to ensure criminal proceedings are trauma-informed and timely. Vulnerability to modern slavery is largely driven by discrimination against minority groups, displacement, violence, and limited monitoring and enforcement of labor laws. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated vulnerability in high-risk sectors such as garments.

Prevalence
The 2023 GSI estimates that 1.2 million people were in living in modern slavery in Bangladesh on any given day in 2021, a prevalence of 7.1 people in modern slavery per every thousand people in the country. Bangladesh is among countries with the highest prevalence of modern slavery within Asia and the Pacific (nine out of 27), and ranks 56th out of 160 countries globally. In terms of the estimated total number of people in modern slavery, Bangladesh falls within the top 10 countries globally.

Several studies have explored the link between climate change and modern slavery in Bangladesh, highlighting how environmental stressors exacerbate vulnerabilities and push individuals into situations of exploitation and forced labor. Here are some key points often highlighted in such research:

Displacement and Migration: Climate-induced environmental degradation, such as riverbank erosion, sea-level rise, and cyclones, can force people to migrate from rural areas to urban centers or other countries in search of livelihood opportunities. These migrants, especially women and children, are often vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.
Loss of Livelihoods: Climate change impacts on agriculture, fisheries, and other natural resources can disrupt livelihoods, particularly for rural communities dependent on these sectors. Loss of income and food insecurity can push individuals and families into debt bondage and other forms of exploitation.
Increased Vulnerability of Marginalized Groups: Marginalized communities, including landless farmers, ethnic minorities, and women, are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts. They often lack access to resources, information, and support systems to cope with and adapt to environmental changes, making them more susceptible to exploitation.
Impact on Supply Chains: Bangladesh is a major exporter of garments and textiles, with a significant portion of its workforce employed in this industry. Climate change-induced disruptions, such as extreme weather events affecting production facilities or transportation infrastructure, can impact supply chains and labor conditions, potentially increasing the risk of forced labor and exploitation.
Policy and Governance Challenges: Weak governance, corruption, and inadequate legal frameworks in Bangladesh can exacerbate vulnerabilities and hinder efforts to combat modern slavery, including addressing its intersection with climate change.

While specific data on the prevalence and impact of modern slavery as a direct result of climate change in Bangladesh may vary, these broader trends and issues underscore the need for integrated approaches to address both environmental and social vulnerabilities. This includes investments in climate resilience, poverty alleviation, livelihood diversification, social protection mechanisms, and measures to strengthen governance and combat human trafficking and exploitation.

Recommendations
Survivors identified and supported

Ensure survivor support services, including shelters, crisis support centers, and community-based protection, cover all populations – including males and migrants – and ensure no victims are detained in shelters against their will.
Deliver victim identification training at regular intervals for all frontline regulatory workers, implement national guidelines for first responders to identify and screen victims, and establish a national referral mechanism to support referral of victims to services.

Criminal justice mechanisms

Focus resources on expediating the court process for human trafficking cases, ensuring judicial punishments are proportionate, including via regular training for the judiciary and prosecution.
Remove all legal loopholes that allow marriage under the age of 18 to occur, criminalize forced marriage in line with international standards, and provide civil protections that allow survivors to choose which solution best suits their needs.
Tackle underlying drivers of forced marriage, including engaging with communities to subvert harmful patriarchal norms and amending gender discriminatory legislation.

National and regional level coordination

Pursue and strengthen bilateral and multilateral labor agreements with key receiving countries, including the Gulf States, to protect migrant workers and cooperate with other sending countries to advocate for common standards for the protection of workers, in consultation with migrant workers, survivors, and civil society. Risk factors are addressed
Work with international organizations such as UNHCR to implement policies and procedures to grant asylum and refugee status to those in need and equip humanitarian practitioners to respond to modern slavery risks in crisis settings by rolling out the Global Protection Cluster’s Introductory Guide to Anti-Trafficking Action in Internal Displacement Contexts.
Ensure the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining for all, and regularly conduct labor inspections, including in the informal sector. Introduce and enforce laws to prohibit charging of recruitment fees to employees and register and monitor local recruitment agencies for deceptive practices.
Ensure all reports of official complicity in modern slavery cases are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted where necessary.

Government and business supply chains

Introduce mandatory human rights due diligence to stop government and businesses from sourcing goods or services linked to modern slavery.

A K Shafiqur Rahman, Adviser, BCCP develop this write-up based on various international publications

BCCP's deep condolences for Dr. Benjamin Lozare

BCCP comes together to mourn the loss of their esteemed mentor and ambassador Dr. Benjamin Lozare, Ph.D., Director for Training and Capacity Building at The Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, USA; who passed away on February 09, 2024.

He was not only a pillar of wisdom and guidance within our organization but also a cherished friend and mentor to many of us to remember for long. His passing leaves a profound emptiness in our hearts and in the very foundation of BCCP. Ben had brought so much more than just expertise and knowledge; he brought compassion, empathy, and a sense of dedication to the growth and advancing for the global SBC community as well as for our organization.

BCCP becomes very nostalgic to remember Ben’s visit in Bangladesh between 1994 to 1996 to attend and facilitate the 2-week long “Advances in Strategic Communication” courses as lead facilitator. Ben had encouraged the Bangladesh program of JHU-CCP to organize this workshop which was first time to hold outside Baltimore. This annual course is still being held in Bangladesh and went through the whole span of 27 years and the last of its row, the 27th batch, held in March 2023.

While BCCP formed in 1996 Ben encouraged them to form an Alumni Association with the participants of Advances course to capitalize the SBC resources. He came to Bangladesh in 1999 to speak on a scientific seminar organized by the Advances Alumni Association. He also came to Bangladesh in 2013 to facilitate the Bangladesh Tobacco Control Leadership Program and won over the hearts of tobacco control leaders. In 2014 as well he visited Bangladesh to lead a three-day Leadership in Strategic Communication Workshop for high-level officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other selected ministries, as well as leading media officials. It is worthwhile to mention that Ben was considered as the ‘Communication Guru’ (Master of communication) in Bangladesh.

BCCP posted a condolence note on his sad demise in their website at www.bangladesh-ccp.org

Though he is no longer with us in person, his spirit will forever be woven into the further growth of our organization, guiding us forward with every step we take. We pray for his departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

Empowering professionals: Insights from the Series of Communication, Community Engagement, and Social Behavior Change Training Sessions

Bangladesh Center for Communication Programs (BCCP) has launched a series of Communication Training for the professionals of LGED, DPHE, MoDMR, other Government/NGO officials under the Emergency Multi-Sector Rohingya Crisis Response Project (EMCRP), LGED; titled "Communication Training, Community Engagement, Social and Behavior Change," took place on January 24-31, 2024, at a hotel in Cox’s Bazar. Participants included officials from LGED, DPHE, RRRC, CPP, and other organizations.

The opening ceremony, chaired by Mr. Mamun Khan, Executive Engineer of LGED, Cox’s Bazar, featured Mr. Md. Shamsud Douza, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, MoDMR, as Chief Guest. In the inauguration speech Mr. Douza addressed “Communication is required in every sector like personal life, office or any institutions, effective communication may be considered as the key to success! In emergencies, community members take the lead in responding, making community engagement important for both the host community and FDMN, so this Communication Training focusing Community Engagement, Social and Behavior Change will be very useful for the participants”.

Chair of this event Mr. Khan stressed the importance of applying training knowledge for ongoing benefit and enhancing the value of infrastructure development through government services. He underscored the significance of communication and awareness, urging participants to maintain focus during the training. "Our commitment to social development through strategic communication and community engagement is further strengthened by working for EMCRP as well as the collaboration with LGED, DPHE, and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), expressing gratitude to the honorable Project Director of EMCRP-LGED and Additional Chief Engineer of LGED Mr. Javed Karim for his excellent support. The positive interest from authorities in nominating participants and the favorable responses during pre-training communications leave us optimistic about the effectiveness of our training courses.” said Mr. Abu Hasib Mostafa Jamal, Senior Deputy Director of BCCP and the Team Leader of this project.

Objective of this training:
One of the eight objectives of CAS activities is to strengthen implementing agencies' capacity for BCC. So, the training aims to:

Improve understanding and capabilities in Community Engagement, Social and Behavior Change.
Strengthen the capacity to execute local-level awareness initiatives, fostering positive shifts in the knowledge and attitudes of both FDMN and the Host Community.
Enhance participants' skills in implementing communication and mobilization programs for humanitarian responses regarding social service systems and the responsible utilization of infrastructure facilities.

Participants Summary: 63 professionals from LGED (24), DPHE (8), RRRC (20), CPP (4), and NGOs (7) successfully completed the training in three batches.

Session Topics:
The training covers key topics such as:

Overview of EMCRP's Communication and Awareness activities
Analysis of community situations and target audiences
Courtyard meetings and BCC material usage
Entertainment Education
Communication, IPC, and counseling
Community Engagement
Social and Behavior Change
Advocacy
Effective Communication skills and Professional behaviors.

Methodologies: Various methodologies were employed, including group work, discussions, VIPP methods, and multimedia presentations (videos, audios, and PowerPoint). Energizers and stimulation games played a vital role in maintaining participants' attention and energy throughout the session. Various types of energizers were conducted at different times during the two-day training to ensure participants remained fully engaged. These activities were important for keeping participants focused on the session.

The training encouraged active participation from participants, fostering enthusiasm in asking questions, addressing issues, and engaging in activities like group work, role play, and group presentations. Their spontaneous involvement during these sessions contributes to the effectiveness of the training. A strong emphasis is placed on creating an excellent learning environment where participants feel encouraged to share their ideas and thoughts during group activities. Notably, participants conducted some roleplay of courtyard meeting, and the interaction between participants and facilitators during icebreaking sessions was excellent.

Guest lecturers: Some of the guest lecturers were invited. They shared valuable insights and encouraged the participants. Inviting guest lecturers, such as Upazila Engineers from LGED, Camp in Charges, and Executive Magistrates of RRRC, offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it enriches the overall learning experience by providing diverse perspectives and expertise from professionals actively involved in relevant fields. These guest speakers bring practical insights and real-world examples, enhancing the participants' understanding and application of the subject matter. Additionally, their presence fosters better coordination between different stakeholders involved in the training program, promoting a collaborative learning environment. Moreover, guest lecturers often serve as inspirational figures, motivating participants through their experiences and success stories. Overall, incorporating guest lectures adds depth, relevance, and motivation to the training sessions, contributing significantly to the participants' learning journey.

Feedback sessions: CAS team conducts feedback sessions after each training day according to BCCP core practice. These sessions offer valuable insights for trainers to improve facilitation methods and content delivery. Gathering feedback ensures the training program meets quality standards and addresses concerns promptly, maintaining its overall quality. These sessions also aid trainers, coordinators, and organizers in skill development and professional growth by identifying areas for improvement and focusing on enhancing their effectiveness in facilitating training sessions.

Pre-test and Post Test:
The participants' active engagement in discussions, attentive learning from experiences, and proactive involvement in group activities like role play and discussions contributed to the development of their knowledge and skills, as reflected in the Pre-test and Post-test assessments. The average scores increased significantly from 43% (in the Pre-test) to 90% (in the Post-test), indicating progress of 47%.

Course Evaluation:
At the conclusion of the two-day communication training, an evaluation was conducted as participants' assessment of the course, learning process, environment, methodologies, and overall satisfaction. The average satisfaction level, rated on a scale of 1 to 5. 33% of participants rated their satisfaction as very satisfied; while 66% highly satisfied.

After training, participants expressed their satisfaction with comments in the comment section of course evaluation, such as:

The training facilitation and course content were excellent.
The training was well-organized.
Facilitation was excellent.
The training content is valuable for both professional and personal life.
This training was much needed.
Excellent training with strong presentation skills.
I gained valuable insights into communication and community engagement.
The training was highly informative and enjoyable.
I learned important skills in communication and community mobilization.

Closing session:
During the closing session, participants shared their feedback, expressing increased knowledge and confidence gained from the training, with hopes that it would improve their communication skills in both personal and professional contexts. It is expected that the training program will boost the capacity of the participants undertaking Behavioral Change Communication (BCC) activities. It will enhance the participant’s knowledge and capacity on Community Engagement, Social and Behavior Change. It will be helpful for the participants in implementing communication and mobilization programs for humanitarian response.

In his closing speech, Mr. Mamun Khan emphasized on the essential role of communication skill development in both personal and professional life. Mentioning the slow nature of behavioral change, he urged participants to apply the training insights in their professional lives. Mr. Khan highlighted the need to initiate change from within, stating, “People are not for me, I am for the people,” and expressed gratitude to the BCCP-EMCRP team for organizing the training for LGED, DPHE, MoDMR, and other related organizations.

While sharing their experiences of the participation Md. Alimul Hoque, Care and Maintenance Officer at Camp-10 under RRRC Office, expressed gratitude for the valuable insights into communication and behavior change. He also expressed, "In the last two days, it was a great time for me as I had the opportunity to participate in the training. I have gained insights into communication, behavior change communication, and professional behavior change, which are highly beneficial for both my professional and personal life. I intend to apply these learnings in the future. Lastly, I want to extend my gratitude to the organizers of this training." Md. Mirajul Islam, Sub-Assistant Engineer at LGED, Chakaria, appreciated the unique experience of learning effective communication approaches. Nurul Amin from DPHE, Ukhiya, highlighted the significance of the training in bridging the gap between knowledge and practice what he has experienced over his seven-year career. Ms. Zinnat Ara, CPP of Ukhiya Upazila, expressed her newfound knowledge about behavior change and thanked BCCP for organizing this important training.

Mr. Abu Hasib Mostafa Jamal, Senior Deputy Director of BCCP and Team Leader of the project (CAS for EMCRP, LGED) commended the participants' enthusiasm and acknowledged the collaboration with MoDMR, LGED, DPHE, CPP, and other government and non-government organizations. He recognized the guidance of the Project Director of EMCRP, LGED, and the Director and CEO of BCCP.

The EMCRP, a collaborative effort by LGED, DPHE, and MoDMR, supported by the World Bank, aims to enhance the lifestyles of host communities in Cox’s Bazar and Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) through infrastructure development. BCCP, assigned by LGED, provides Communication and Awareness Services (CAS) and enhances the capacity of program managers and frontline staff. The closing ceremony concluded with Mr. Mamun Khan providing certificates to each participant, recognizing their successful completion of the course.

News media and social media: Some newspapers have featured articles on the "Communication Training, Community Engagement, Social and Behavior Change" series. Notably, participants have taken to social media platforms to share their positive experiences and sentiments regarding the training.

Their enthusiastic feedback underscores the effectiveness of the program in equipping them with valuable skills and approaches for effective communication, community engagement, and promoting behavioral change.

The dissemination of their praise further amplifies the impact and reach of the training initiative, demonstrating its significance and relevance in addressing important societal issues.

This enthusiastic response serves as a demonstration to the training program's success and expectations of participants while garnering extensive recognition and support from various stakeholders.

Interactive theater as an entertainment education tool offering a myriad of benefits in SBC for EMCRP

Interactive theater captivates audiences by actively involving them in the performance, fostering deeper connections and understanding. Through immersive engagement with characters and scenarios, participants explore various perspectives and prepare important thinking skills, leading to informed decision-making.

The Bangladesh Centre for Communication Programs (BCCP) recently conducted a series of interactive theater performances in Rohingya camps as part of the Emergency Multi-Sector Rohingya Crisis Response Project (EMCRP). These performances aimed to raise awareness and promote responsible use of government service facilities, engaging the Rohingya community to utilize these resources with care.

Mrs. Suraya Akter Swety, Camp-in-Charge (CiC) of Camp-20 and Executive Magistrate, inaugurated the event on February 11, 2024, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure development. She stated, "Government efforts to develop infrastructures in Rohingya camps are for the community's well-being. It's important to use these facilities with care. Entertainment education like street drama effectively communicates this message. Let's all enjoy the event attentively and spread awareness throughout the camp."

Mr. Dawood Hossain Chowdhury, Camp-in-Charge of Camp-16 and Executive Magistrate, encouraged attendees to utilize services with care, referring to the informative nature of the drama. Similarly, Mr. Md. Al-Imran of Camp-19 and Executive Magistrate thanked EMCRP-LGED and BCCP for arranging the program, emphasizing its informative value.

Mrs. Suraya Akter Sweaty, Camp-in-Charge of Camp-20Ext. and Executive Magistrate, highlighted the importance of saving public property and urged attendees to use facilities responsibly. Mr. Md. Abu Bakkar Siddique, Assistant Camp-in-Charge of Camp-4, echoed this feeling, expressing gratitude for the interactive event.

The initiatives underscored the importance of community engagement and education in promoting positive behavioral change among the Forcefully Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN). Also, interactive theater serves as a powerful tool for entertainment education, promoting social awareness, empathy, and empowerment. By fostering a sense of community and collaboration, it encourages audiences to address societal challenges, ultimately contributing to positive individual and societal outcomes.

Under the EMCRP project, LGED has been implementing various infrastructure developments in Rohingya camps. The interactive theater performances served as a platform to convey essential information and promote community engagement, emphasizing the careful use of these facilities. EMCRP is jointly being implemented by LGED, DPHE and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR). Bangladesh Center for Communication Programs BCCP is providing Communication and awareness services to use the government service facilities with care.

Community Engagement meeting for Validation of the TRANSFORM training program

The Telepsychiatry Research and Innovation Network (TRIN) Limited, the implementing partner of ‘Transforming Access to Care for Serious Mental Disorders in Slums- The TRANSFORM Project. As a communication and community engagement partner of the project, Bangladesh Center for Communication Programs (BCCP) organized a community validation meeting of the TRANSFORM training program with different community groups including Students, Community Influentials, Religious minorities, Garment Workers, Traditional and Faith-based healers, Community Health Workers, Medicine shop keepers, participated in the meeting. The program was held in Hotel Abakash, Mohakhali, Dhaka on February 28, 2024. The TRANSFORM-Bangladesh aims to increase access to biomedical care by developing a collaborative approach among traditional and faith-based healers, primary health care partitioners, mental health professionals, and community health care workers.

Dr. Soron, The Principal Investigator of TRANSFORM -Bangladesh said mental health, especially major depressive disorder is one of the leading health problems across the world, even in our country. In Bangladesh, 1% of people are suffering from serious mental disorders (SMDs) and the prevalence rate is higher among students. But the existing health facilities and professionals are not enough to ensure the service of this volume of SMD patients and many of them not getting mental health services. Moreover, there is a lot of misleading information and social stigma about mental health in the community and treated them as burden to the family and the community. In that case, community people have the role to aware people, identifying the SMDs, and referring them to biomedical service providers.

Dr. Helal Uddin Ahmed, Clinical Head-TRANSFORM Bangladesh, and Associate professor, the National Institute of Mental Health mentioned the role of the community in the treatment of SMDs. He said, “Community people like an imam, community health workers, medicine shop keepers, and teachers are the first contact point for identifying SMDs. If you are well informed about the symptom and identification process through training program, you can play a vital role in identifying the referring the SMDs to biomedical care. You can also make a safe environment in your community for persons with SMDs”. TRANSFORM-Bangladesh is facilitating this in Korail slum. One of the participants from the student groups mentioned, “We don’t think about the people acting like mad. But after being involved with TRANSFORM, we are now thinking about this issue in Korail”. The program was chaired by a member of the expert committee Dr. Mohammad Golam Rabbani, Ex-Director, National Institute of Mental Health.

Climate Smart Best Practice and Technologies in Agriculture: becomes another work area of BCCP

Bangladesh Program to End Modern Slavery (B-PEMS) AugroJatra Climate Change project is implemented by Winrock International (WI) and funded by the US Department of State (USDOS). A precise, informative workshop has held on January 28, 2024 at the AMISDP Conference Room of Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) with selected high officials of DAE. Bangladesh Center for Communication Programs (BCCP) arranged the workshop with support from Winrock International.

The workshop was facilitated by agriculturist Dr. Mazharul Aziz, former government official and a reputed expert of the field. Dr. Md. Shah Kamal Khan, Project Director, Agrometeorological Information Systems Development Project; Dr. Muhammad Emdadul Haque, Project Director, Smallholder Agriculture Competitiveness Project; Khondoker Mohammad Rashed Eftekher, Project Director, Climate Smart Agriculture and Water Management Project; Mr. Md. Rasel Miah, Production Economist (Project Preparation), Planning, Project Implementation & ICT Wing; and Mr. Dhiman Majumder, Monitoring Officer, Adaptation to Climate Change through Climate-Smart Technologies in Khulna Agriculture Region Project, DAE attended the workshop program. All of them actively participated throughout the program and shared their expertise and knowledge to select the best options of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practises appropriate for saline-prone areas, flood-prone areas, and common natural disaster-prone areas of the country. Their remarks helped in validating the best CSA practises and technologies for the target audiences of the B-PEMS AugroJatra Project. Mr. Md. Tanvir Sharif, Specialist – Training and Capacity Strengthening, and Mr. Zahirul Islam, Specialist – Livelihoods and Skill Development, of Winrock International also joined the workshop and shared their thoughtful remarks as appropriate.

Representatives from Winrock International shared brief about the B-PEMS AugroJatra Climate Change Project with the workshop attendees, so that they have a clear understanding of the activities taken by WI. The goal of the project is to reduce the prevalence of human trafficking measurably and substantially in Bangladeshi farming and fishing households vulnerable to climate change. As a pilot program, the project is being initiated in 11 districts that include saline-prone areas and flood-prone areas. Those districts are: Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Barishal Patuakhali, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Faridpur, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha and Rangpur. Several options for CSA Adaptation were shared during the discussion session of the workshop, so that the participants could identify and validate the best practices as well as technology appropriate for different areas.

CSA adaptation options
Several common CSA adaptation options along with options for salinity-prone areas and options for flood-prone areas were chosen at the validation workshop. Homestead vegetable cultivation; Integrated farming systems; vermicompost; solar irrigation; community best practices, such as: synchronized cultivation; etc. were chosen as common options of CSA. Sorjan cultivation method (raised bed farming); salt-tolerant crop varieties, such as – maize, watermelon, rock melon, sesame, sunflower, etc; rainwater harvesting; mulch cropping; mixed cropping; aile cropping; shifting planting time; etc. practises were selected for salinity-prone areas. The experts also chose a few options for flood-prone areas, which are: cultivating flood/submergence tolerant rice varieties; following cropping patterns; using of floating agriculture technology; etc. the discussion and validating of options would be a great help in developing modules for filed-level facilitators and the beneficiaries of the project.

ICT Corner

Impact of Cloud Services
Kamrul Haider Mamun, IT Officer, BCCP

Cloud computing has revolutionized the way we use technology in our professional lives, offering unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and accessibility. In today's digitally connected world, the cloud has become an essential tool for businesses of all sizes, enabling them to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and drive innovation.

Most internet users are already using cloud services in some form, whether they are aware of it or not. For instance, if you have a Google account and store your emails, photos, or videos on it, you are using free cloud services. Meanwhile, those who need to store large amounts of data can take advantage of cloud services for a fee. Additionally, when you share photos or videos on Facebook, they are typically stored on a cloud server. This means that everyone who uses the internet is taking advantage of cloud computing in one way or another.

At its core, the cloud refers to a network of remote servers hosted on the internet that store, manage, and process data. Instead of relying on local hardware and infrastructure, cloud computing allows users to access computing resources and services on-demand from anywhere with an internet connection. This shift from traditional IT models to cloud-based solutions has had a profound impact on various aspects of professional life, includes:

1. Enhanced Collaboration and Productivity
Cloud-based collaboration tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, AWS, Oracle Cloud and Slack have revolutionized team communication and productivity. With cloud-based document storage and real-time editing capabilities, team members can collaborate seamlessly on projects no matter where they are located. This not only enhances productivity but also creates a more dynamic and agile work environment.

2. Scalability and Cost Efficiency
Cloud computing is a modern technology that provides businesses with a highly scalable computing infrastructure, allowing them to adjust computing resources based on demand dynamically. This feature eliminates costly infrastructure investments, providing firms with a cost-efficient solution. Unlike traditional computing systems, cloud computing is designed to simplify scaling up or down computing resources. Hence, companies can quickly and efficiently adjust their computing resources in response to changes in demand. This scalability feature of cloud computing allows businesses to accommodate fluctuations in demand, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective computing infrastructure.

3. Remote Work Enablement
The emergence of cloud computing has made it possible for remote work practices to become more widespread. With the help of cloud-based tools and platforms, employees can work from anywhere, be it from home, a coffee shop, or even from a different continent. This technology eliminates geographical barriers and enables easy access to work-related resources, thereby revolutionizing the concept of remote work.

4. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Cloud computing provides businesses with reliable business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities, which protect crucial data and applications from unforeseen events such as natural disasters, hardware failures, or cyberattacks. With the help of automated backup solutions, organizations can reduce downtime and data loss, ensuring uninterrupted services and maintaining customer trust.

5. Innovation and Agility
In today's fast-paced business landscape, agility and innovation are key drivers of success. Cloud computing provides a platform for experimentation and rapid prototyping, allowing organizations to quickly test new ideas and bring innovative products and services to market. With access to advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics, businesses can gain valuable insights and stay ahead of the competition.
Overall, the benefits of cloud servers extend to various aspects of people's lives, offering convenience, cost savings, flexibility, and enhanced security. From enhancing collaboration and productivity to enabling remote work, the cloud has become an indispensable tool for businesses seeking to thrive in a digital-first world. As technology continues to evolve, embracing the power of the cloud will be essential for staying competitive and adapting to the ever-changing demands of the modern workplace.

Embracing the Future: Exploring the Wonders of the Internet of Things
Md Mizanur Rahman, Manager (IT), BCCP

In today's digital age, connectivity has become more than just a convenience; it's a way of life. The Internet of Things (IoT) is at the forefront of this technological revolution, promising to transform the way we live, work, and interact with our surroundings. As the IT Manager of Bangladesh Center for Communication Programs, I am excited to shed light on the remarkable potential of IoT and its impact on our world.

At its core, IoT refers to the network of interconnected devices embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies, enabling them to collect and exchange data seamlessly. From smart homes and wearable gadgets to industrial machinery and urban infrastructure, IoT is revolutionizing various aspects of our daily lives.

One of the most significant advantages of IoT is its ability to enhance efficiency and productivity across industries. For instance, in manufacturing, IoT-enabled sensors can monitor equipment performance in real-time, predict maintenance needs, and optimize production processes, leading to reduce downtime and cost savings. Similarly, in healthcare, wearable IoT devices can track vital signs, detect anomalies, and facilitate remote patient monitoring, improving the quality of care and saving lives.

Furthermore, IoT is driving innovation in environmental sustainability and urban development. Smart city initiatives leverage IoT technology to optimize energy consumption, manage traffic flow, and enhance public safety. By harnessing data insights from connected devices, city planners can make informed decisions to create more livable and sustainable urban environments for residents.

However, with great innovation comes great responsibility. As we embrace the potential of IoT, it's crucial to address concerns surrounding data privacy, security, and interoperability. Safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are essential to building trust and reliability in IoT systems.

In conclusion, the Internet of Things holds immense promise to revolutionize the way we live and work. As we embark on this journey of digital transformation, let us embrace the opportunities that IoT presents while remaining vigilant in addressing its challenges. Together, we can shape a future where connectivity empowers individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Editorial: Harnessing Green Solutions to Combat Climate-Driven Modern Slavery

In recent years, the hostile shadow of climate change has loomed large, and its effects felt globally. Yet amidst discussions of rising temperatures and fading ice caps, a darker reality emerges the evil entanglement of environmental decay and modern slavery. Nowhere is this connection starker than in Bangladesh, a nation grappling with the burdens of climate-persuaded vulnerabilities and the plague of modern slavery.

The World Bank's forecast of 216 million individuals internally displaced by 2050 solely due to climate change underscores the urgency of the issue. Forced migration, driven by environmental disasters and resource scarcity, acts as a breeding ground for human trafficking and modern slavery, with Bangladesh serving as a hotspot for such exploitation in the Asia-Pacific region. This nexus between climate change and modern slavery reaches deep, intertwining economic, social, and environmental threats. Climate-induced disasters and depleting resources disrupt communities, leaving them exposed to exploitation and coercion. Moreover, industries contributing to climate change often preserve conditions ripe for modern slavery, make worse the vulnerability of marginalized populations.

Effective communication, community mobilization, and engagement are important in addressing this multifaceted challenge. Communication initiatives must not only highlight the connection of climate change and modern slavery but also offer tangible solutions. Mobilizing communities augments resilience and empowers marginalized groups to advocate for their rights, while engagement fosters collaborative efforts for sustainable interventions.

However, the path to addressing this crisis lies not only in awareness but also in action. Encouraging the adoption of green energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can mitigate climate change while creating economic opportunities that reduce vulnerability to exploitation. Similarly, promoting smart agriculture techniques, like precision farming and aquiculture, enhances food security and livelihoods, diminishing the risk of modern slavery in agricultural sectors.

Scientific fishing practices, including sustainable aquaculture and responsible harvesting, not only safeguard marine ecosystems but also secure the livelihoods of coastal communities, reducing their susceptibility to exploitation. Furthermore, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures empowers communities to resist environmental shocks without resorting to desperate measures that perpetuate modern slavery.

The urgency for action cannot be overstated. By 2025, a global effort must acknowledge climate change as a significant driver of modern slavery, implementing comprehensive laws, policies, and support mechanisms to sever this harmful link. National advocacy is pivotal in championing legislative reforms and institutional frameworks that prioritize the protection of vulnerable communities and the environment.

Bangladesh's proactive perspective against modern slavery is commendable, but significant gaps persist. Displacement, loss of livelihoods, and the marginalization of vulnerable groups highlight the need for integrated approaches. Investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, green energy, smart agriculture, and sustainable fishing practices are imperative, alongside targeted measures to combat human trafficking and exploitation.

In conclusion, the intertwined crises of climate change and modern slavery demand immediate and unified action. As we navigate the complexities of a changing climate and evolving social dynamics, let us stand united in our commitment to safeguarding human rights, preserving the environment, and forming a future where dignity and freedom prevail.

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WHO introduces the Health Technology Access Pool
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Bangladesh launches investigation into children ‘wrongly’ adopted overseas
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