Green economy a prerequisite for sustainable development

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo said pollution-free production, efficient resource use and green employment are essential for an environmentally friendly economy and sustainable development.

He made the remarks at the closing and prize-giving ceremony for World Environment Day and Environment Fair 2026 at the Department of Environment today (2 September), according to a press release.

"Ensuring sustainable development requires strengthening three interconnected areas: environmental protection, social development and economic progress," Mintoo said.

He said a green economy could help address sustainable development challenges by minimising carbon emissions, using resources responsibly and generating employment.

"To build an environmentally friendly economy, we must work towards pollution-free production, poverty reduction and the creation of green jobs," he added.

The minister attended the ceremony as chief guest, while Department of Environment Director General Dr Md Lutfar Rahman chaired the event at the conference room of the department's new building. The invite had been extended for the closing and prize-giving ceremony for World Environment Day and Environment Fair 2026.

Mintoo said the ministry had prepared Bangladesh's National Adaptation Plan for 2023–2050 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Bangladesh had also prepared and submitted its updated nationally determined contribution, NDC 3.0, as part of efforts to set emissions reduction targets, he said.

The minister said the government's election manifesto prioritised tackling climate change impacts, controlling industrial, water, noise and air pollution, introducing environmentally friendly waste management and ending the use of harmful polythene and plastics.

The ministry was working to implement these commitments, he added.

The World Environment Day and Environment Fair programmes were inaugurated on 9 July under the theme "Climate change: Today's action, tomorrow's security".

In his welcome address, Department of Environment Director for Administration Parvez Chowdhury outlined the activities organised to mark the occasion.

These included publishing a souvenir and newspaper supplements, holding children's art and debate competitions, inviting environmental project proposals, selecting outstanding fair stalls and organising environmental seminars.

The department also supported awareness activities at 100 educational institutions in Dhaka and held a seminar for industrial entrepreneurs.

At the ceremony, Mintoo presented prizes to winners of the art, debate and environmental project proposal competitions, along with outstanding participants in the environment fair.

Twelve winners of the children's art competition received certificates, crests, prize bonds and watercolour supplies. Three top winners received Tk3,000 in prize bonds each, while nine others received Tk2,000 each.

Rajshahi University won the debate competition, which involved 32 universities and medical colleges, while Begum Rokeya University finished as runners-up.

The winning team received Tk40,000 and the runners-up Tk30,000, along with crests and certificates.

Organisers selected three winners from 81 submissions to the environmental project proposal competition. The first-, second-, and third-place winners received Tk30,000, Tk25,000 and Tk20,000, respectively, along with certificates.

Seven individuals and institutions received crests and certificates for their outstanding participation in the environment fair.

The ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a documentary highlighting the department's World Environment Day activities.

Mintoo urged the award recipients to continue their efforts to conserve the environment and control pollution.

In his concluding remarks, Lutfar thanked the department's officials and others involved in organising the programmes.