A group of Bangladeshi women in Oldham have held an event to tackle climate change, the works of which are being exhibited in a local library.

On Wednesday, December 7, a group of Bangladeshi women from Oldham, called the Climate Connections Women's Group, organised an event to spark a well-needed conversation about the effects of climate change at a local and international level.

For several weeks, the women have committed to delivering the project which they called 'a future for our children' ahead of the Bangladesh Independence Victory Day Celebration on December 16.

Climate Connections Women's Group, led by Jesmin Chowdhury, all worked together to paint the picture of the devastating effects of global warming by utilising music, arts and dramatic performances.

In participation with Crossing Footprints and Anya Arts, the event saw musicians, such as Nuruzzaman Ahmed, Mitra Kabir and Luthfur Rahman, as well as poets and performers of Bangladeshi heritage bring their vision to life at Northmoor Library.

The group's artwork was displayed around the venue which showcased "life in rich countries" and the "impact on poor countries" while highlighting the need to plant more trees.

One poster read: "Air pollution can make our children sick - let's plant more trees."

Meanwhile, the women performed a parody of a well-known Bangla song with lyrics about the importance of reducing waste and pollution - and about increasing reliance on the use of public transport instead of cars.

Poems were also recited in Bangla and English to further illuminate the struggles overseas for Bangladeshi people in their fight for language rights, identity and national independence.

Oldham councillor and cabinet member for finance, Abdul Jabbar, was also in attendance at the event and met with the group to talk about tackling air pollution on a local level in the borough.

The women asked him about his position on making streets around schools safer by taking cars off the road - similar to that of the 'active neighbourhood' proposal which would see certain roads blocked off from vehicles.

According to the group, Cllr Jabbar expressed personal support for the policy but said he would need to hear more from local residents before backing the initiative.

However, they said he did commit to meeting the Climate Connections Women's Group more regularly to keep the conversation going. 

The group's work is now exhibited at Northmoor Library until the end of February 2023.