Earth’s Ants team tops national environmental project competition
A four-member team from Earth's Ants Youth Environmental Organisation has secured first place in a nationwide environmental project proposal competition, ranking highest among 81 submissions.
According to a press release, the winning team comprised Akib Ahmed Talukder, Md Mirajul Islam, Rafi Ahamed Fida, and Md Shahnoor Mridul.
The Department of Environment organised the competition as part of the national World Environment Day 2026 programme.
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The team received the award at the closing and award distribution ceremony of World Environment Day and Environment Fair 2026, held at the conference auditorium of the Department of Environment's new building in Dhaka on 2 September.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo MP presented the first-place award, comprising Tk30,000 in prize money and a certificate.
Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Fahmida Khanom and Department of Environment Director General Dr Md Lutfar Rahman attended the ceremony alongside other senior officials.
After evaluation, officials selected three winning projects from the 81 submissions.
The second- and third-place winners received Tk25,000 and Tk20,000, respectively, along with certificates.
The competition formed part of a wider government programme launched on 9 July under the theme "Climate Action", translated nationally as "Climate Change: Today's Action, Tomorrow's Security".
The programme included environmental project proposals, university-level debates, children's art competitions, seminars, publications, an environment fair and awareness activities at 100 educational institutions in Dhaka.
A total of 32 universities and medical colleges participated in the debate competition, while separate awards were presented to outstanding participants in the Environment Fair.
After the award ceremony, the Earth's Ants team discussed implementing its proposal with senior government representatives.
Earth's Ants said Abdul Awal Mintoo and Dr Fahmida Khanom had assured the team that the proposed project would be considered for implementation.
The organisation said the discussions created an opportunity for the proposal to progress from a competition entry towards practical application.
Founding Advisor of Earth's Ants, Professor Mohammed Jamal Uddin, was also present at the ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Abdul Awal Mintoo said sustainable development depended on strengthening three interconnected areas: environmental protection, social development and economic progress.
He said an environmentally friendly economy could support sustainable development by reducing carbon emissions, encouraging responsible resource use, promoting cleaner production and creating green employment.
The minister also highlighted Bangladesh's National Adaptation Plan 2023–2050 and NDC 3.0 under the UN climate framework.
He said the government's priorities included addressing industrial, water, noise and air pollution; promoting environmentally responsible waste management; and reducing the use of harmful polythene and plastic products.
Earth's Ants is a youth-led organisation working in environmental conservation, research, innovation and climate action.
