DHAKA, July 11, 2026 – Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has stressed that raising public awareness and ensuring collective action are essential to effectively address the growing impacts of climate change.
Speaking as the chief guest at a special seminar titled “Climate Change: Today’s Action, Tomorrow’s Security”, held at the Department of Environment auditorium in Agargaon on Saturday to mark World Environment Day 2026, the minister said climate change is no longer a future concern but an everyday reality.
He noted that erratic rainfall, prolonged heatwaves, and increasing salinity in coastal areas are threatening people’s livelihoods and ecosystems across Bangladesh. Protecting the environment, he said, cannot be achieved by the government alone and requires the active participation of citizens to build a cleaner and greener Bangladesh.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Md. Saimum Parvez, who attended the event as special guest, said environmental protection should become a national culture rather than remain solely a government initiative. He called for stronger engagement of civil society, environmental organizations, youth, and marginalized communities in climate action.
The seminar was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) and several environmental organizations. It was chaired by Prof. Dr. Nur Mohammad Talukder, President of BAPA.
The keynote paper was presented by Prof. Dr. M. Firoz Ahmed, Vice-President of BAPA. The event was attended by Dr. Md. Lutfor Rahman, Director General of the Department of Environment, along with representatives of environmental organizations, researchers, sustainable development experts, and journalists.
