Dhaka: President Mohammed Shahabuddin has urged all concerned to work collectively to prevent environmental pollution, preserve ecological balance, and address the adverse impacts of climate change. 'Neither the government nor any single institution alone can effectively tackle the climate and environmental crisis . . . active participation of the public and private sectors, researchers, civil society and people from all walks of life is essential in this regard,' he stated in a message issued today on the eve of World Environment Day-2026, to be observed tomorrow.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the President emphasized that World Environment Day is being observed in Bangladesh, alongside other countries across the globe, with due importance under the initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to promote environmental protection and raise public awareness. He highlighted this year's theme, 'Climate Change: Today's Action, Tomorrow's Security', and the slogan 'Now for Climate', noting that the observance has renewed global attention to the urgent need for effective measures to address the climate crisis.
The Head of State remarked that Bangladesh is facing a wide range of challenges due to climate change, including floods, droughts, cyclones, abnormal temperature rise, sea-level rise, and ecological imbalance, all of which are adversely affecting people's lives, biodiversity, and the national economy. He mentioned that the government has been implementing various long-term programmes to combat climate change and ensure sustainable development.
Among the notable government initiatives, he enumerated the plantation of 250 million trees over the next five years, creation of water reservoirs through canal excavation, expansion of renewable energy use, promotion of green urbanisation, environment-friendly industrialisation, and effective measures to control pollution. The President underscored the need for collective responsibility, effective action, and enhanced public awareness to ensure a safe, liveable, and sustainable environment for future generations.
He extended his wishes for the overall success of all programmes aimed at addressing these pressing environmental challenges.