Dhaka, April 28 -- Civil society organisations (CSOs) on Monday called for adopting self-funded regional priority plans for disaster resilience instead of relying on debt-driven initiatives.

They also demanded that UN agencies and international NGOs refrain from direct project implementation, creating space for local NGOs to lead.

Speaking at a human chain in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, marking the 34th anniversary of the devastating cyclone "Mary-An" of April 29, 1991, they urged greater investments in sustainable waste management and climate-resilient, saline-free water treatment plants.

They also emphasised the need for sustainable concrete embankments to protect coastal lives, assets, and agriculture, demanding great...