July 10 (V7N)— Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo on Friday said Bangladesh must pursue development in harmony with nature, ensuring that economic growth, environmental protection and human well-being advance together.

Speaking as the chief guest at the Dwijen Sharma Environment Award-2025 ceremony at the Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad Auditorium of Bangla Academy, the minister said protecting nature was no longer an option but a national responsibility.

The award ceremony was jointly organised by BRAC Bank and Tarupallab.

"The award recipients have demonstrated that the dedication and initiative of even a single individual can bring about long-term positive environmental change and inspire others," he said, urging society to expand such efforts to safeguard nature.

The minister said Bangladesh should be built on a model where development coexists with nature, making environmental conservation an integral part of the country's progress.

Referring to the government's environmental agenda, Mintoo said the National Green Mission had been launched as part of the implementation of the government's election pledges under the guidance of the Prime Minister.

Under the initiative, the government has set a target of planting 250 million saplings across the country over the next five years, aiming to turn environmental conservation into a nationwide social movement, he said.

Describing the award recipients as "builders of a greener future" and "silent environmental warriors", the minister said their commitment and initiatives would play a vital role in inspiring others and promoting long-term environmental protection.

This year's award recipients are Prof Dr Md Ashrafulzzaman for biodiversity research (Nisarga Award), Pran Baichitrya Khamar for sustainable agriculture (Biodiversity Award), Md Badsha Mia for grassroots tree plantation (Brikkhoshokha Award), Umme Kulsum Popy for promoting environmental awareness through digital platforms (Green Sarathi Award), Sumaiya Mariam for technology-based plant census (Nabin Nisargi Award), and Prof Dr Kazi Ahsan Habib for marine biodiversity conservation (Environment Achievement Award).

Financial Institutions Division Secretary Najma Mobarek, senior officials of BRAC Bank and Tarupallab, environmentalists, researchers and journalists attended the event.

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