TBD Lens calls for environment to be embedded in civil discourse
Speakers at a Bangladesh Dialogue event also called for greater transparency in environmental policymaking and a faster transition to renewable energy
Environmental sustainability cannot be achieved through government policies alone and requires informed public participation, institutional accountability and sustained civic engagement, speakers said at a discussion in Dhaka.
The Bangladesh Dialogue organised the fourth edition of its "TBD Lens" discussion series, titled "Environment as a Part of Civil Discourse", at Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST) on 29 July.
Policymakers, academics, climate experts, researchers and youth representatives participated in the session, which focused on integrating environmental concerns into Bangladesh's civic, social and democratic discourse.
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Participants said environmental protection should be treated as a shared national responsibility rather than an issue limited to government agencies and policy documents.
They highlighted the need for stronger public awareness, inclusive dialogue and long-term institutional commitment to address the country's environmental and climate-related challenges.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of accelerating Bangladesh's transition towards renewable energy while drawing lessons from international experiences in sustainable energy development.
Public participation vital for environmental sustainability
Speakers said environmental issues must become part of the country's broader social and cultural conversations, as meaningful public participation is essential for building a lasting environmental movement.
They also called for greater transparency, accountability and good governance in environmental decision-making and policy implementation.
Effective environmental governance depends on public trust, institutional integrity and evidence-based policymaking, participants observed.
The speakers included Dr Saimum Parvez, special assistant to the prime minister on environment, forest and climate change affairs; AUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Ashraful Hoque; Professor Dr Mazharul Islam, director of AUST's Institutional Quality Assurance Cell; Mohammad Subail Bin Alam, founding member of the Centre for Science, Technology Policy and Diplomacy; and climate change specialist Dr Nurun Nabi.
They called for stronger collaboration among the government, academia, civil society and citizens to expand renewable energy initiatives, improve environmental awareness and build a more climate-resilient Bangladesh.
The event also featured the official unveiling of "KLIMA", a new initiative of The Bangladesh Dialogue. The platform was formally launched through the unveiling of its logo.
The Bangladesh Dialogue said its TBD Lens series seeks to promote constructive public discussion, strengthen climate governance and encourage citizens to participate in efforts to build a sustainable and climate-resilient country.
