DHAKA, March 26, 2024 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury today said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a dreamer of the country's environment-friendly development.
 
"About 20 years before the first Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Bangabandhu had planned to protect the environment of the newly independent Bangladesh," he told a discussion here.

The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change arranged the discussion on "The historical leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the development of the country" at Department of Environment (DoE), marking the Independence and National Day 2024.

Speaking as the chief guest, Saber said Bangabandhu promulgated an ordinance to check water pollution and he also enacted laws to conserve wildlife and biodiversity in war-torn Bangladesh.
 
"We have to express our gratitude to Bangabandhu by building Sonar Bangla, a happy prosperous and serene environment, as per his dream," he said.

The environment minister said Bangabandhu made all people irrespective of caste and religion united and envisioned a democratic system as an alternative to the Pakistani ruling system.
 
"Even though Bangladesh is politically independent, we must continue our struggle for economic, social and cultural freedom. There can be no division in the interest of the country. For the development of the country, we must work together regardless of party affiliation," he said.

Chaired by Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, the meeting was addressed, among others, by Additional Secretary (Administration) of the ministry Iqbal Abdullah Harun, Additional Secretary (Environment) Dr Fahmida Khanam, Chairman of Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation Md Nasir Uddin Ahmed, Managing Director of Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Md Zainal Abedin, DoE Director General Dr Abdul Hamid and Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hosain Chowdhury.

A film depicting the life and works of Bangabandhu was screened on the occasion.