Dhaka, Dec 26, (V7N) - Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan stated that the government is actively working with the public to protect nature and the environment.
 
She also mentioned that steps have been taken to transform institutions such as the Department of Environment, the Forest Department, and the Water Development Board into people-oriented organizations.
 
The adviser made these remarks on Wednesday evening while delivering her speech as the Chief Guest at the 'Prokriti O Jibon Foundation - Channel i Nature Conservation Award 2023' ceremony, held at the Channel i premises in the capital.
 
She emphasized that environmental conservation should be treated as a national priority, urging everyone to take appropriate action.
 
“Efforts are underway to bridge the gap between the government and the public by addressing their concerns and ensuring their voices are heard,” she said.
 
Syeda Rizwana Hasan further stressed that conservation efforts should be driven by compassion for nature. She pointed out the irreversible loss of species once they disappear and highlighted the need to recognize environmental warriors.
 
The adviser noted that efforts have begun to tackle long-standing environmental issues in the country. Special focus is being placed on clearing canals of encroachment and pollution. “Initiatives are also being taken to protect all rivers,” she added.
 
She urged everyone to contribute to nature conservation to ensure a livable planet for future generations.
 
The event was presided over by Prokriti O Jibon Foundation Chairman Mukit Majumder Babu.
 
Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director General of the Department of Environment; Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests; and Nayoka Martinez Beckstrom, First Secretary for Environment and Climate Change at the Embassy of Sweden, also spoke at the event.
 
This year's award was presented to Dr. Md. Manoorul Kibria, Professor of Zoology at the University of Chittagong, for his significant contributions to conserving Bangladesh's nature and biodiversity. Referring to Dr. Kibria's work, the adviser remarked that the Halda River and Dr. Kibria are inseparable.

END/MSS/AJ/