Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources, stated that strict action will be taken against those encroaching on rivers and forestlands. She emphasized that the government is working tirelessly to keep the environment free from pollution. Development activities are being conducted in line with public expectations, avoiding destructive practices, and moving towards sustainable development.
She made these remarks on the evening of December 15 while virtually attending as the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the "Eco Leaders Youth Empowering Initiative on Environment, Climate, and Renewable Energy for Bangladesh," held at the Bangladesh Military Museum, with her participation facilitated from Pan Pacific Sonargaon, reads a press release.
The Advisor pointed out that Bangladesh is facing significant challenges, including floods, droughts, and salinity, exacerbated by climate change. She called for collective efforts from all sectors of society to tackle these issues effectively and promote sustainable solutions.
Earlier in the day, Rizwana Hasan addressed a program commemorating International Human Rights Day, organized at the NGO Affairs Bureau auditorium in Agargaon. She noted that the government has undertaken numerous initiatives to uphold human rights and ensure reforms through relevant commissions.
She also assured that women will play a vital role in the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to address the impacts of climate change.
The human rights program was presided over by Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of the Manusher Jonno Foundation. Other distinguished speakers included Corinne Henchoz Pignani, Chargée d'Affaires, Embassy of Switzerland to Bangladesh; Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh; Md Anwar Hossain, DG of NGO Affairs Bureau; Barrister Sara Hossain, Executive Director of BLAST and Member of the Women Rights Reform Commission; and Professor Sharmin Neelormi of Jahangirnagar University, who is also a member of the White Paper Commission.
The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing climate change and upholding human rights in Bangladesh.
