Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said while sustainability is a widely used term, it often lacks a proper definition and criteria-risking the spread of greenwashing rather than ensuring justice or equity. Report BSS
"This concern is especially critical for Bangladesh as we prepare to graduate from the least developed country (LDC) category. If we are to make this transition meaningful, the standards we adhere to must evolve," she said.
Addressing the concept of a just transition, Rizwana stressed expanding the conversation beyond the energy sector.
"Every sector-textiles, agriculture, manufacturing-must have clear guidelines and standards so the entire country moves forward together, not just isolated units," she said while addressing a session titled "Bangladesh Just Transition Academy: Decent Work for All in a Green Economy" organised by the International Labour Organization at Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center here.
The environment advisor observed that although the journey toward sustainability has begun, particularly in the private sector and often under pressure from international buyers, it remains fragmented and informal.
"We have yet to collectively define what we agree to, and more importantly, what we reject," she said.
Citing her own experience in environmental advocacy, Rizwana pointed to the flawed perception of technological fixes.
"When we challenged the burnt brick industry, the shift to zigzag kilns was presented as a sustainable solution. But those till polluted air, stripped agricultural lands of topsoil, and led to hill-cutting. Raising chimney heights was offered as another fix. Yet these were just patchwork solutions.
"Thirty-two countries have already phased out burnt bricks- Bangladesh must commit to a full transition to alternatives that protect our air, soil, and labor force," she said.
The adviser criticised the prevailing tendency to circumvent environmental challenges rather than confront them directly.
"In every sector-from labour exploitation to overuse of water-solutions often emerge from the private sector but rarely scale up. We need structural change," she added.
Rizwana called upon academic institutions to guide national efforts across sectors.
She also urged public agencies to embed environmental values into their core functions.
"People expect the Department of Environment (DoE) to approve every project. When we say 'no' based on environmental risks, we're seen as blocking development-as though development and environmental protection are mutually exclusive. This mindset must change," she said.
Rizwana underscored the need for all government bodies, including local government, transport, and energy, to share a unified commitment to sustainability.
"Green certification for buildings means little if we overlook gender sensitivity, labour welfare, water recycling, and energy efficiency. Look around-it's not even 10 am, yet this room is ablaze with artificial light. Had the building been properly designed, this wouldn't be necessary," she said.
Reflecting on the broader picture, Rizwana stated: "We often pressure the government to avoid load-shedding while continuing to waste imported energy. This is not just a policy issue - it's a question of internalizing values, not just ticking boxes."
She expressed hope that international organizations, alongside government, private sector, and civil society, would push for sustainable practices that go beyond isolated projects and shape national policies.
"This is not just for one government-it is about creating institutional legacies for the future," she said.
The environment adviser reaffirmed her full support from the DoE, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, in advancing a truly just and sustainable transition for Bangladesh.
