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Check FAQAbout Shamsuddin
Shamsuddin Illius is an award-winning investigative journalist based in Chittagong, Bangladesh. He is the Chittagong Bureau Chief at The Business Standard and writes for AFP as a stringer. His stories are rooted in climate change, environment, biodiversity, climate migration and Rohingya refugee. He received the '2023 Climate Journalism Award' from the European Journalism Centre and the Google News Initiative. Iliius is a Diversity Fellow for 2023 and a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists and The Uproot Project. His story received an honorable mention for the 2022 Covering Climate Now Award. He is one of the fellows of the World Press Institute in 2022; Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) Journalism Fellowship Scheme in 2018. He covered COP26 from the ground in Glasgow in 2021 as a CCMP Fellow supported by the Earth Journalism Network (EJN). In 2022, he participated in a global cross-border investigation with journalists from six different countries— ‘The Sinking Cities Project’ that examines how sea-level rise is affecting major cities. Illius is a story grant fellow of EJN—reporting on Zoonotic Diseases in 2021, Reporting on Biodiversity in 2020, and Reporting on Climate Change Adaptation in the Bay of Bengal in 2019. He is an alumnus of the Thomson Reuters Foundation -Reporting on Migration. He completed a short course on Refugee and Advocacy from Jain University, Bangalore in India. As a field journalist, he frequently visits remote coastal areas of Bangladesh to collect news about people living there, their livelihood, health, and education. He has to report- how their livelihood, lifestyle, culture, and customs are being changed due to the impacts of climate change. His stories appeared at AFP, The Third Pole, The Scotsman, Unbaise The News, The Independent, Scroll.in, The Business Standard and more media outlets. Personal Blog: https://shamsuddinillius.com/
Bengali
English
Portfolio
Bangladesh Port Depot Fire Kills 49, Injures 300
A fire at a shipping container depot in Sitakunda, Bangladesh, caused a massive chemical explosion, resulting in at least 49 deaths and over 300 injuries. The fire began late Saturday and led to containers holding chemicals, including hydrogen peroxide, to explode, affecting firefighters, volunteers, and journalists. The blast was felt kilometers away, and the death toll is expected to rise. The cause of the initial fire is unknown. The Bangladesh Army has been deployed to prevent chemical contamination, and the fire service is working to control the situation. The Chittagong port, through which a significant portion of Bangladesh's trade passes, including garments for Western retailers like H&M and Walmart, is located nearby. The incident highlights the common occurrence of fires in Bangladesh due to poor enforcement of safety regulations.
It is about climate migrants in Bangladesh
Dolphins threatened by Bangladesh oil spill
An oil spill from a collision between two vessels on October 25 has released 10,000 litres of heavy fuel oil into the Karnaphuli River in Bangladesh, threatening the critically endangered Ganges dolphin and local biodiversity. The spill, covering over 16 kilometres, has been described as a major disaster, particularly for the dolphin population that uses the river as a breeding ground. The Chittagong Port Authority claims to have cleaned up 80% of the oil, but environmentalists criticize the lack of skilled manpower and contingency plans to effectively address such incidents. The Department of Environment has fined the responsible oil tanker BDT 30 million (USD 355,000). A national oil spill contingency plan is awaiting cabinet approval.
European Firms Scrap Toxic Ships On Bangladesh Beaches: HRW
European maritime companies are sending old ships to be scrapped on Bangladeshi beaches, resulting in dangerous and polluting conditions that have led to worker fatalities. Human Rights Watch and the Shipbreaking Platform have reported on the hazardous work environment in Sitakunda, where workers dismantle ships without proper protective gear, leading to at least 62 deaths since 2019. Despite the Bangladesh Ship Breakers Association's claims of improving safety, other organizations report a lack of attention to worker safety and exposure to toxic substances like asbestos, causing severe health issues.
Climate migrants escaping to Dhaka find that their new home is also sinking
Climate migrants in Bangladesh, displaced by extreme weather events, are relocating to Dhaka and Chittagong, only to face the new challenge of these cities sinking due to land subsidence. Over-extraction of groundwater for a booming population and infrastructure development are the primary causes. Dhaka, with a population over 20 million, is heavily reliant on groundwater, leading to a significant drop in water levels. Chittagong faces similar issues, compounded by industrial water demands. Efforts to switch to surface water sources and international loans for water projects are underway, but the competition for water between industries and residents is intensifying. The government is increasing climate adaptation funding and has initiated the Delta Plan 2100 to build resilience, but the need for sustainable solutions for climate migrants remains urgent.
Dhaka is sinking
The article discusses the severe impact of climate change on Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka and Chittagong, where land subsidence and groundwater depletion are causing significant problems. Abdul Aziz, a resident of Dhaka's Korail slum, and Nur Nahar Begum from Chittagong are examples of individuals displaced by natural disasters, a common occurrence in a country where cyclones and flooding displace hundreds of thousands annually. The article highlights the struggle of these cities to cope with the influx of climate refugees and the challenges of providing adequate water supply due to over-reliance on groundwater. Experts like Saleemul Huq and officials from water authorities discuss the causes of subsidence and the need for sustainable water management practices. The article also touches on the financial aspects of climate change adaptation, noting that Bangladesh spends about USD 1 billion annually on adaptation, which is insufficient compared to the estimated need of USD 5.7 billion by 2050.
Dhaka: A Refuge that Needs to be Rescued
Chittagong, a coastal city in Asia, is experiencing significant subsidence, sinking at a rate much faster than the rise of sea levels, similar to Manila. The city, which is considered the commercial capital of its country, has faced issues with groundwater extraction, with the Chittagong Water Supply and Sewage Authority (CWASA) previously unable to meet the city's water demand. Efforts have been made since 2017 to switch to surface water sources, and currently, 92% of the city's water is sourced from surface water. However, industries such as steel and cement still struggle with water scarcity, leading companies like GPH Ispat Ltd to build their own dams, which has impacted local ethnic minorities' water access. The extraction of groundwater by private companies has also led to protests due to its effect on the water supply for local irrigation and drinking.
Bangladesh port depot fire kills 49, injures 300
A fire at a shipping container depot in Sitakunda, Bangladesh, caused a massive chemical explosion, killing at least 49 people and injuring over 300. The depot, which stored containers including garments for Western retailers, experienced a blast that affected buildings kilometers away and resulted in the death of several firefighters and journalists. The fire, which spread to seven acres, contained hydrogen peroxide, complicating firefighting efforts. The Bangladesh Army deployed troops to prevent chemical contamination of the Indian Ocean. Fires are common in Bangladesh, with much of the country's trade passing through the nearby Chittagong port.
Relatives Flock To Hospitals After Bangladesh Blast Kills More Than 40
A devastating explosion at the B.M. Container Depot in Sitakunda, Bangladesh, killed over 40 people, including nine firefighters, with many victims burned beyond recognition. Relatives provided DNA samples at Chittagong Medical College to identify the deceased. The depot, a joint venture between Bangladeshi and Dutch businessmen, did not inform firefighters about the hydrogen peroxide on site, which reacted explosively when doused with water. The fire is under control, but smouldering containers hinder rescue efforts. The Home Minister promised justice, and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association reported a loss of about $110 million in garments.
Bangladesh Port Depot Fire Kills 49, Injures 300
A fire at a shipping container depot in Sitakunda, Bangladesh, caused a massive chemical explosion, killing at least 49 people and injuring over 300. The depot, which stored containers including garments for Western retailers, experienced a blast that affected buildings kilometers away and resulted in the death of several firefighters. The fire service has struggled to control the fire due to the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The army has intervened to prevent chemical contamination of the Indian Ocean. The cause of the initial fire remains unknown, and fires are a common occurrence in Bangladesh due to poor enforcement of safety regulations. The Chittagong port, through which the majority of Bangladesh's trade passes, has seen a boom in exports as the global economy recovers from the pandemic.
Nipah Virus in Bangladesh: A Decade of Sorrow and Stigma
The article recounts the personal tragedies of families in Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh, who lost their children to the Nipah virus, a zoonotic virus with a high fatality rate. Taposhi Gosh and Ashok Kumar Ghosh, as well as Subal Chandra Sarker, share their painful experiences of losing their children to the virus and the subsequent social ostracization they faced. The Nipah virus, which can be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people, has caused numerous deaths in Bangladesh since its first reported case in 2001. The article highlights the potential of the Nipah virus to cause a pandemic and the lack of vaccines or treatments. It also discusses the social stigma and economic hardships faced by survivors and the families of the deceased. Experts recommend avoiding raw date palm sap and fruits eaten by bats, and call for more awareness and government campaigns to prevent the spread of the virus. The article is supported by the Earth Journalism Network.
The issue of loss and damage at COP26: Progress and frustrations
The COP26 summit concluded in Glasgow with the Glasgow Climate Pact, which aimed to reinforce action and finalize the Paris Agreement rulebook. A major point of contention was the issue of 'Loss and Damage', with developing countries pushing for dedicated funds for climate refugees, which was ultimately blocked by the US and EU. The summit recognized the need to address loss and damage but postponed decisions on finance. Some progress was made, including the establishment of a Glasgow Dialogue and the Scottish Government's pledge of $2m for loss and damage, along with $3m from philanthropies. The issue will be a focal point at the next COP27.
Wealthy nations shrug off responsibility at COP26, leaving vulnerable countries dissatisfied
The article discusses the outcomes of the COP26 summit in Glasgow, highlighting the dissatisfaction among developing countries regarding the draft decisions on climate finance and loss and damage due to climate change. The summit aimed to address goals such as keeping global warming to 1.5C, financing for adaptation and mitigation, and the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge to developing countries. However, the draft decisions failed to resolve finance issues, including the 50:50 spending ratio for adaptation and mitigation, and did not make a concrete decision on disbursing the $100 billion before 2024. The issue of loss and damage was postponed for future discussion. Notable developments included a $2 million pledge from the Scottish government and $3 million from leading philanthropies for loss and damage. The article also mentions the record-shattering $232.6 million pledge to the adaptation fund at COP26. Developing countries expressed their intention to continue raising their demands at future COP sessions.
Bangladesh’s climate migrants: The human face of climate change
Rashida Begum, a former homemaker from Noakhali district, Bangladesh, lost her property to the Meghna river and was forced to migrate to Chittagong, where she now lives in a slum. The article highlights the plight of thousands of climate refugees who move to overcrowded city slums in Dhaka and Chittagong each year. Dhaka's slums house four million people, while Chittagong's accommodate 1.4 million. The International Centre for Climate Change and Development reports that 400,000 to 500,000 people migrate to Dhaka annually, with 70% living in slums. Dhaka's mayor has expressed concern over the city's living standards due to migration. The World Bank predicts 13.3 million climate migrants in Bangladesh by 2050. The article suggests building secondary climate-resilient cities to alleviate pressure from the metros and allow for dignified migration.
Climate-induced migration in South Asia: Impact of loss and damage
The article discusses the plight of Nasima Begum and many others in Bangladesh who have been repeatedly displaced due to the erosion caused by the Padma River. Studies presented at the UN Climate Conference in Glasgow highlight that a significant percentage of climate-displaced people in Bangladesh have been displaced multiple times, with many having to change their professions. The phenomenon of riverbank erosion is forcing people to migrate to more vulnerable areas, lacking basic needs and rights. The report 'Groundswell: Acting on Internal Climate Migration' projects that climate change could force 216 million people to migrate within their own countries by 2050, with 40 million from South Asia. Experts like Harjeet Singh and Mohammad Shamsuddoha emphasize the need for finance to address loss and damage and policy changes at both local and national levels. Suruchi Bhadwal and Mohammad Shahjahan discuss the challenges of internal migration and the need for developed countries to provide technical and financial resources as compensation.
Climate Change and Overfishing: The Plight of Bangladesh's Halda River
The article discusses the environmental and economic crisis faced by the Halda River in southeast Bangladesh, a vital breeding ground for carp. Overfishing, climate change, pollution, and human interference have led to a drastic reduction in fish and roe yields, affecting the livelihoods of local fishers like Sunil Das. The river's salinity has increased due to cyclones and lack of freshwater, making it inhospitable for freshwater fish. The government's efforts to protect the river, including declaring it a fishery heritage zone and imposing fishing bans, have been undermined by these challenges. The article also highlights the role of the Halda River Research Laboratory and other organizations in studying and addressing the river's issues. The situation has forced many fishers to abandon their traditional profession and seek alternative work, while experts call for more sustainable management practices and mitigation of climate change impacts to save the river and its ecosystem.
Locals lose land and livelihoods to SS Power One plant
The article discusses the construction of the SS Power One coal-fired power plant in Bangladesh, financed by China under the Belt and Road Initiative. Local residents, like Mohammad Harun, who lost their land for the project, were promised jobs that have not materialized. The project has faced violent protests due to land acquisition, inadequate compensation, and labor disputes, including clashes with Chinese management over cultural insensitivity towards local customs like Iftar during Ramadan. Police have responded with force, resulting in several deaths. The plant, a joint venture between Chinese company SEPCOIII and Bangladeshi conglomerate S Alam Group, is one of many planned in Bangladesh, raising concerns about environmental impacts and the country's coal dependency. The article also highlights the plight of locals who have lost their livelihoods and face legal challenges and harassment.
Buffaloes vanish from coastal Bangladesh as salinity rises
The article discusses the decline of buffalo herding in coastal regions of Bangladesh, particularly on Moheshkhali Island and Kutubdia Island in Cox's Bazar, due to increasing soil salinity and other climate change impacts. Shamsul Alam and Nurul Alam, former buffalo herders, have shifted to fishing and salt cultivation as alternative livelihoods. The buffalo population has plummeted from over 8,000 in the 1990s to just 102 by 2020. This decline has affected the local economy, culture, and food security, as buffaloes were a source of employment, protein, and cultural significance. Experts attribute the decline to increased salinity, development activities, extreme weather, and diseases. The Department of Livestock Services has implemented projects to address the issue, but experts argue that these efforts are insufficient without considering the impact of climate change on buffalo fodder and habitation. The article suggests that conservation and improvement programmes are urgently needed to prevent the extinction of native buffaloes.
The Decline of Buffalo Milk Sweetmeats in Chattogram: A Tale of Environmental Change and Cultural Loss
The article discusses the decline of the famous Sadhu Sweetmeat shop in Chattogram, Bangladesh, due to a severe milk crisis caused by a decrease in the buffalo population. The buffalo milk shortage, attributed to environmental degradation and climate change, has forced sweetmeat producers to switch to cow milk, altering the taste and cultural significance of their products. The article highlights the broader implications of this change, including the impact on local traditions, the economy, and the increase in milk imports. Experts from various fields provide insights into the causes and effects of the declining buffalo population and the subsequent cultural and commercial shifts in the coastal regions of Bangladesh.
Karnaphuli water salinity - From 2ppm to 5,800ppm between 1987 and 2020
The article discusses the severe impact of rising water salinity in the Karnaphuli River on local industries, particularly the Chattogram Urea Fertiliser Limited (CUFL) and DAP Fertiliser Company, both under the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC). Salinity levels have risen from 2ppm in 1987 to 5,800ppm in 2020, causing CUFL to halt production for 72 days, resulting in significant financial losses. The increase in salinity is attributed to climate change-induced sea-level rise. The issue also affects the production of the WASA water treatment plant and has led to declining cropland fertility. The article highlights the need for adaptation policies, such as building water reservoirs, to mitigate the impact of salinity on industries and agriculture.
Education, healthcare remain elusive for Sardars, a river gypsy community
Sky is the roof, ground the bed. Thousands of Rohingyas pass night under open sky on both sides of roads, hill slopes and croplands
Rohingyas go without food Little aid from int’l agencies
Landmines’ pose new threat to Rohingyas
Investigative report rape
Rohingya children trafficking
Now, Rohingyas face trafficking woes
Bhashan Char Ready to Receive Rohingyas Amid Relocation Challenges
The article discusses the development of Bhashan Char, an islet in the Bay of Bengal, to relocate nearly 100,000 Rohingyas from overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar. The island has been equipped with housing, solar power, biogas fuel, waste management, cyclone centers, and mobile networks by companies like Grameenphone and Robi. Despite the facilities, many Rohingyas are hesitant to move due to the island's vulnerability to cyclones and isolation. The Bangladesh government has faced challenges in the relocation process, with international aid agencies and the United Nations advocating for voluntary relocation after independent feasibility studies. The UNHCR is planning an assessment visit to the island. The Bangladesh Navy, which has overseen the project's development, has also arranged transportation for the relocation. The article includes statements from government officials and Rohingya refugees on the relocation plan.
Wild elephants striking back
The article discusses the escalating conflict between humans and elephants in Bangladesh, particularly in the Chattogram and Cox's Bazar regions. Human activities such as construction and agricultural expansion have encroached on elephant habitats, leading to increased encounters and fatalities. On a recent Sunday, three people were killed by a herd of elephants. The Bangladesh Forest Department and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have noted the loss of elephant corridors and habitats, with 175 human deaths and 88 elephant fatalities since 2001. The situation worsened after the Rohingya refugee crisis, with settlements blocking elephant routes. The IUCN and Forest Department are working on conservation efforts, compensation for affected individuals, and raising awareness to mitigate conflicts and protect both humans and elephants.
Dolphins threatened by Bangladesh oil spill
An oil spill from a collision between two vessels on October 25 has released 10,000 litres of heavy fuel oil into the Karnaphuli River in Bangladesh, threatening the critically endangered Ganges dolphin and local biodiversity. The spill, which spread over 16 kilometres, has been described as a major disaster, particularly for the dolphin population that uses the river as a breeding ground. Environmentalists and experts from the University of Chittagong have expressed concerns about the immediate and long-term impacts on the river's ecosystem. The Chittagong Port Authority claims to have cleaned up 80% of the oil, but the incident has highlighted issues such as inadequate manpower, insufficient fines for polluters, and the lack of a national oil spill contingency plan, which is still awaiting cabinet approval.
Children of Chhinnomul in Chattogram's Sitakunda upazila playing on the hilly land
The article discusses the plight of children living in Chhinnomul, a large slum-like area in Chattogram's Sitakunda upazila, who are unable to obtain birth certificates. This lack of documentation is preventing them from enrolling in schools and sitting for public examinations. Despite living on government land, local authorities are reluctant to issue birth certificates due to concerns over double entry in official records and preventing Rohingya from obtaining them. The acting deputy commissioner of Chattogram, Yasmin Parvin Tibriji, mentioned the impermanence of the residents as a reason for not issuing certificates. Local union parishad members and activists argue that denying birth certificates could lead to statelessness and violate the children's fundamental right to education. The article highlights the bureaucratic challenges faced by the residents of Chhinnomul and the need for government intervention.
Climate Change and Cultural Shifts: The Decline of Pearl Harvesting in Bangladesh
The article discusses the plight of coastal communities in Bangladesh, particularly around Cox's Bazar and Moheshkhali Island, where the traditional livelihood of harvesting pearls and seashells is under threat due to climate change. The marine ecosystem, once rich with molluscs and other marine resources, is facing habitat destruction from rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, pollution, and human interventions. This has forced many locals to abandon their ancestral trade and seek alternative employment, such as seamstress work or fishing. Experts like Dr. M Shahadat Hossain and Anisuzzaman Khan highlight the primary reasons for the decline in mollusc populations and the cultural impact it has had, including the change in traditional naming practices. The government has taken steps to conserve marine life, including declaring Sonadia an 'ecologically critical area' and initiating projects to enhance biodiversity and promote eco-tourism.
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