Sharif Jamil, the coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, has been elected as an executive member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, an international organisation established in the United States, for a term of three years. The communication was made via a news release issued by Waterkeepers Bangladesh.
The conclusive resolution was overwhelmingly ratified at the Waterkeeper Alliance Executive Council assembly convened on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. On Friday, June 7, 2024, the council overwhelmingly selected Jamil, along with Bruce Reznick from Los Angeles, USA, and Bruno Monteferri from Peru, as members of the executive committee.
Jamil embarked on his environmental odyssey in 2009 when he assumed the role of Buriganga Riverkeeper, with the objective of rejuvenating the river by eradicating pollution and encroachment. Since 2015, he has held the position of coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, actively participating in several civic initiatives aimed at safeguarding the environment and promoting human rights. As the Member Secretary of Dharitri Raksha Amara (DHARA), he has actively engaged in addressing environmental and climate change concerns at the local, national, regional, and international levels.
Waterkeeper Alliance partners with approximately 300 Waterkeeper organisations in 39 countries on six continents to monitor and protect more than 25 million square kilometres of rivers, lakes, and coastal ecosystems. Jamil, with his newfound global responsibilities, plans to concentrate extensively on the environment and rivers of South Asia, considering their significance in a worldwide perspective. He conveyed his appreciation to the individuals who nominated and backed him, acknowledging their collaboration and motivation.
Faisal Ahmed, a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, commended Jamil’s accomplishment, emphasising his twenty years of unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rivers and ecology of Bangladesh. Ahmed highlighted that this new position offers Jamil a noteworthy chance to tackle the climate catastrophe in Bangladesh and make a contribution to worldwide environmental preservation.
Jamil’s election in Bangladesh is a source of pride, as it demonstrates his unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and advocacy. Sharif Jamil deserves congratulations for achieving this noteworthy milestone.