Dhaka, July 10, 2026: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has said Bangladesh’s development must go hand in hand with environmental conservation, emphasizing that economic growth, ecological protection and public well-being should advance together.
Speaking as the chief guest at the Dwijen Sharma Environment Award 2025 ceremony at Bangla Academy on Friday, the minister said sustainable development can only be achieved by ensuring harmony between development and nature.
The award ceremony, jointly organized by BRAC Bank and Tarupallab, honoured individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.
“Protecting nature is no longer an option—it is a national responsibility,” the minister said, adding that the award recipients have demonstrated how individual commitment and innovation can create lasting positive impacts on the environment and inspire wider public participation.
Highlighting the government’s environmental agenda, Mintoo said the National Green Mission, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aims to plant 250 million tree saplings across the country over the next five years. He expressed hope that the programme would evolve into a nationwide social movement for environmental conservation.
Describing the award winners as “builders of a greener future” and “silent environmental champions,” the minister said their dedication would encourage greater public engagement in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable development.
The Dwijen Sharma Environment Award 2025 recognized Professor Dr. Md. Ashrafulzzaman for biodiversity research, Pran Baichitra Khamar for sustainable agriculture, Md. Badsha Mia for community-based tree plantation, Umme Kulsum Popy for promoting environmental awareness through digital platforms, Sumaiya Mariam for technology-based plant monitoring, and Professor Dr. Kazi Ahsan Habib for his contribution to marine biodiversity conservation.
The program was attended by Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek, senior officials of BRAC Bank and Tarupallab, environmental experts, researchers and media representatives.
