Administrator of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Nazrul Islam Manju urges coordinated environmental action to build healthy, livable Khulna city on World Environment Day celebrations. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, June 4, 2026 (BSS) - Administrator of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Nazrul Islam Manju today stressed the need for coordinated efforts by government and non-government organizations to build an environment-friendly, healthy and livable Khulna city.

He said all stakeholders must play responsible roles in protecting the environment through planned tree plantation, conservation of forests and water bodies, safe transportation, and proper waste management.

Highlighting the importance of planned urbanization in maintaining ecological balance, Manju said practical initiatives are needed to address climate change and ensure a habitable planet for future generations.

He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of a human chain, bicycle rally, cleanliness drive, and tree plantation programme organized at Moylapota intersection this morning, marking World Environment Day-2026.

The programme was jointly organized by the Healthy City Forum and several organizations, including BELA, SIAM, Active Citizen Platform, Nirapad Sarak Chai, BDKIN, Clean-Up Khulna, BIP, Khulna Cyclists, CDP, MASAS, Rupantar, Amra Brihattor Khulnabashi, and Brihattor Khulna Unnayan Sangram Samannay Committee.

The event was held under the international theme of World Environment Day, "Inspired by Nature -- For Climate, For Our Future."

Speakers at the programme said people are increasingly suffering from the adverse impacts of environmental degradation, including extreme heat, prolonged heatwaves, scarcity of safe drinking water, floods, storm surges, and the destruction of biodiversity and ecosystems.

They noted that environmental challenges are not only disrupting public life but also increasing government expenditure and intensifying the struggle for survival.

The programme was chaired by BELA Coordinator and Convener of Healthy City Forum Mahfuzur Rahman Mukul. It was moderated by President of Active Citizen Platform Omar Faruk Kochi and Member Secretary of Healthy City Forum and Executive Director of SIAM, Advocate Md. Masum Billah.

Among others, KCC Conservancy Officer Engineer Md. Anisur Rahman, Administrative Officer Molla Maruf Rashid, Executive Director of Rupantar Swapan Guha, Programme Officer of the World Health Organization Asif Ahmed, Member Secretary of Nirapad Sarak Chai-Khulna Mahabubur Rahman Munna, Assistant Manager of CDP Khokon Sikder, Environment Secretary of Nagorik Forum G.M. Moin Uddin, and MASAS Executive Director Advocate Shamima Sultana Shilu addressed the programme.

Officials of various organizations, environmental activists, volunteers, journalists, and representatives of professional bodies were also present.