Dhaka, April 28 -- Civil society organizations on Monday demanded self-funding, regional priority plans for disaster resilience instead of reliance on debt-based projects, marking the memory of the devastating cyclone "Mary-An" that struck on April 29, 1991.

At a human chain in front of the National Press Club, speakers called for greater investment in sustainable waste management, saline-free water treatment plants, and concrete embankments to safeguard coastal communities.

They also emphasized that UN agencies and INGOs should refrain from direct project implementation, leaving leadership to local NGOs.

The event was jointly organized by Sundarban Upakul Surokkha Andolon, ARBAN, Udayan Bangladesh, Keraniganj Human Development Society...