The southwest coastal belt of Bangladesh from Kuakata to Kalapara, Galachipa, Amtali, Taltali, and Patharghata has long supported generations of fishing communities, farmers, forest resource collectors, and tourism workers. These livelihoods were not only economic activities but symbols of dignity, identity, and deep attachment to land and sea. Today, climate change is rapidly erasing this way of life, turning settled communities into displaced populations. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, salinity intrusion, waterlogging, mangrove loss, and deforestation are degrading the long coastlines of Patuakhali and Barguna. A recent geospatial study identified major migration hotspots in Barguna, indicating a sharp decline in liveability and livelihood security. Other studies confirm that cyclones, flooding, land loss, and declining agricultural productivity are now the primary drivers of displacement.
The scale of change is alarming. A 2025 geospatial analysis estimated sea-level rise at around 4.19 mm per year, salinity intrusion up to 3.5 ds/m, rising temperatures, increased rainfall, and recurring floods and cyclones. Kuakata's 18-kilometre-long beach, once protected by vegetation belts and coastal forests, now stands visibly degraded. Reduced freshwater supply and rising salinity threaten farming, vegetable cultivation, and freshwater aquaculture once reliable income sources. As land becomes uninhabitable, entire families are forced to migrate seasonally or permanently to urban areas.
National estimates suggest nearly 2,000 people migrate to Dhaka every day, putting immense pressure on urban services. Post-cyclone recovery often rebuilds houses without restoring livelihoods, leading to repeated displacement and "failed return." What is unfolding in Kuakata is not only an environmental crisis, it is a test of national responsibility. Short-term relief cannot address a problem of this scale. Long-term adaptation is essential regarding resilient livelihoods, freshwater security, coastal protection, planned resettlement, and migrant-inclusive urban planning. Every displaced coastal family represents the human face of climate change. The question is whether the government will act before many more families become homeless. We must act before it is too late.
Iffat Ara Achol
Student
Department of Coastal Studies and Disaster Management
University of Barishal
iffatara.310@gmail.com
