Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today called for joint efforts based on mutual trust, cooperation, and continuous dialogue among the South Asian nations to address environmental crises. She emphasized the importance of strong regional platforms like the South Asian Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) to tackle shared issues such as transboundary air pollution, river basin management, cross-border plastic waste movement, and the protection of critical ecosystems like the Sundarbans.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, these remarks were made during a meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat where Norbu Wangchuk, Director General of SACEP, paid a courtesy call on Rizwana. The discussion centered on enhancing regional cooperation on climate action, environmental protection, and transboundary ecological challenges in South Asia. Wangchuk highlighted SACEP’s ongoing initiatives in member countries, including programs for climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, air quality improvement, and marine pollution control.
During the meeting, Wangchuk praised Bangladesh’s leadership in environmental matters and expressed SACEP’s willingness to support the country through collaborative projects, capacity building, and multi-donor funding platforms. Rizwana advocated for deeper joint programming between Bangladesh and SACEP, especially in areas like climate adaptation, air quality management, and biodiversity protection. She also emphasized the need to prioritize environmental issues in regional and national policymaking, even during political or economic transitions.
Wangchuk briefed Rizwana on SACEP’s governance structure, upcoming Governing Council engagements, and the organization’s plans for expanded technical and programmatic collaboration. He invited Bangladesh to take an active leadership role in SACEP’s future initiatives, which include regional efforts on air quality supported by international development partners.
Rizwana expressed appreciation for SACEP’s continued cooperation and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing collective environmental solutions in South Asia. She expressed hope that strengthened regional collaboration would bring tangible benefits to the people of the region, particularly those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to enhance coordination and explore new opportunities aligned with Bangladesh’s national environmental and climate priorities. Among those present at the meeting was Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Farhana Ahmed.