Sheikh Rokon receives ‘Pallima Green Gold Medal’

River researcher, organiser, and writer Sheikh Rokon has been awarded the "Pallima Green Gold Medal-2025" in recognition of his contributions to river and environmental conservation.

Rokon is the founder and secretary general of Riverine People, a citizens' organisation focused on river protection.

The award was presented at an event on Saturday night (23 May) at the Pallima Sangsad Conference Hall at Khilgaon in Dhaka, reads a press release.

State Minister for Road Transport and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib attended the event as chief guest. Pallima Green Chairman Awal Kamruzzaman Farid presided over the event, with Desh Rupantor Editor Mustafiz Shafi as special guest.

In his speech, State Minister Habibur Rashid Habib said, "If rivers survive, Bangladesh will survive."

He noted that the current government has adopted national programmes to restore rivers and canals.

"If social organisations like Pallima Sangsad and Pallima Green, and researchers like Sheikh Rokon come forward, the protection of the country's rivers, canals, and environment will become easier," he added.

Upon receiving the award, Sheikh Rokon said, "Many rivers are being lost due to unplanned development, encroachment, and pollution."

"If rivers are protected, society and the state will also be protected," he warned.

The event was also attended by Mubarak Ahmad Khan, inventor of the biodegradable "Sonali Bag" made from jute and recipient of the Pallima Green Award in 2018; Pallima Sangsad founder President Mu Hafizur Rahman Moyna; General Secretary Abu Haider; and Pallima Green General Secretary Kazi Ismail Kimu.