Dhaka, April 8, 2026: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said that environmental challenges have evolved into an existential crisis for human civilization rather than being merely issues addressed within annual budgets or five-year development plans.
He called on the younger generation to go beyond textbook learning and understand the deep connections between global politics, the energy crisis, and environmental degradation.
The minister made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the Green Energy Olympiad 2026, organized by Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) at the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) auditorium in the capital on Tuesday morning.
Speaking as the chief guest, Swapon said environmental problems are often not immediately visible, which prevents people from realizing their seriousness until they are directly affected. He noted that even some powerful global leaders have questioned scientific evidence and denied the reality of climate change.
“In such circumstances, raising awareness among the younger generation about environmental protection becomes a moral responsibility,” he said, adding that this awareness must be passed from one generation to the next.
Referring to ongoing geopolitical tensions, the minister said global instability, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, is creating new energy and economic risks for many countries.
“Our import-dependent energy policy and trade deficit have placed our economy in a challenging position,” he said. “Today’s youth, who will be tomorrow’s policymakers, must understand the harsh realities of global competition over energy resources.”
Swapon also emphasized that young people should recognize how the global “war industry” and extreme nationalism influence international politics and contribute to environmental damage.
“If environmental science is connected with social and political realities, it can become practical knowledge capable of guiding real solutions,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of the Green Energy Olympiad, the minister said growing interest among young people in renewable energy and environmental protection represents a powerful force for building a sustainable Bangladesh.
The event was chaired by Kazi Maruful Islam, professor of Development Studies at University of Dhaka. Government officials from various departments, university teachers and representatives of civil society organizations also attended the programme.
