A large number of people living in two different government project locations have come under economic, environmental and social security threats, according to a new survey.
They are the Dhaka Environmentally Sustainable Water Supply Project and the South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation Dhaka-Sylhet Corridor Road Investment Project.
The study said a suitable 'national development policy' is required to protect rights of the living in any development project area.
Any project's 'environmental impact assessment' needs to be approved with the involvement of experts and civil society organisations (CSOs), it suggested.
The survey done by the Centre for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD) presented some case studies at a seminar styled 'Safeguarding People's Rights in Development Projects: Disclosure and Reality' at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Saturday.
The CPRD with support from Diakonia and 'Reality of Aid' hosted the seminar with CPRD chief executive Md Shamsuddoha in the chair.
CPRD's research and advocacy officer Al Imran presented the research findings of the study that covers four upazilas in Narayanganj and Brahmanbaria districts.
A total of 350 people, who are directly and indirectly affected by projects in the areas, narrated their plights.
BAPA joint secretary Mihir Biswas, Unnayan Dhara Trust executive director Aminur Rasul, YPSA director Mohammad Shahjahan and Kaler Kantho senior journalist Nikhil Chandra Bhadra attended the function as special guests.
Citing Faruq (45), a victim from Brahmanbaria, the study said Faruq and his family have moved to a new place due to land acquisition for the Dhaka-Sylhet Corridor Road Project.
A good number of local people living near the project area were forced to shift their ancestral homes, it stated.
Highlighting Shanti Rani (35), a victim from Narayanganj, the study said Rani and her family were forcefully displaced from her homestead by the Sustainable Water Supply Project (DESWSP).
Like Rani, many others in Araihazar and Rupganj upazilas are facing the same fate, it showed.
Both project areas have identified air, water and soil pollution, and this pollution will not end with the project construction period, according to the study.
Fertile agricultural lands and water bodies have been grabbed for both projects, it said, adding that deforestation has been identified at ground level.
Evidence shows affected communities' opinions have been discounted during the project planning and implementation period, the study said, adding that gender-sensitive approach has also not been used.
Mr Shamsuddoha said the level of expected service from a project depends on its implementation, management, maintenance and operations as planned.
"Unfortunately, participation of the stakeholders in the 'Sustainable Water Supply Project" and "Dhaka-Sylhet Road expansion Project' was not appreciable".
Reflecting on the findings, Mr Biswas said development will bring no benefit to all if it was not a balanced one.
He suggested that development projects be taken very carefully for such a climate-hit country like Bangladesh.
Mr Amin said this research shows both projects do not consider the conservation of water bodies. The time is running out to protect the lifeline of Bangladesh.
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