Environment, Forest, and Climate Change adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, emphasised that the government is prioritising public participation to safeguard nature and the environment.
Addressing the ‘Prokriti O Jibon Foundation – Channel i Nature Conservation Award 2023’ ceremony in Dhaka, she stated that key government institutions, such as the Department of Environment, Forest Department, and Water Development Board, are being transformed into people-oriented organizations to address environmental challenges.
Rizwana Hasan urged everyone to treat environmental conservation as a national priority, stressing that bridging the gap between the government and the public is essential for meaningful progress.
“Efforts must be guided by compassion for nature, as the loss of species is irreversible,” she said, highlighting the importance of recognizing environmental warriors and addressing long-standing ecological issues like canal encroachment and pollution.
She also underscored the urgent need to protect rivers and called for collective contributions to preserve nature for future generations.
The event was presided over by Chairman of Prokriti O Jibon Foundation Mukit Majumder Babu. Other speakers included Director General of the Department of Environment Dr. Abdul Hamid; Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury; and First Secretary for Environment and Climate Change at the Embassy of Sweden Nayoka Martinez Beckstrom.
This year’s award honored Professor of Zoology at the University of Chittagong Dr. Md. Manzoorul Kibria, for his significant contributions to conserving Bangladesh’s biodiversity, particularly the Halda River. Speaking about his work, Rizwana Hasan remarked, “The Halda River and Manzoorul Kibria are inseparable.”
The event brought together environmental experts, NGO representatives, media personnel, and distinguished guests.
