Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today spoke at the Environment Department in Agargaon. Photo: PID

DHAKA, May 31, 2025 (BSS) – Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today urged the youth to stay away from greed, lust for power, financial irregularities, corruption, and instead   work for the betterment of the country.

“The youth must move away from greed, power, lust, financial irregularities, corruption, and work for the country,” she said.

She was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Manifesto Talk: Youth, Environment and Climate”, held at the Environment Department in Agargaon.

Attending the program, the adviser also inaugurated the Youth Climate Coalition, a platform formed by 16 youth-led organizations involved in climate action.

Underlining the importance of collective efforts to address climate change, she said, “The youth must work together to tackle the risks posed by climate change.”

Speaking about air pollution, she noted that the government has taken three major initiatives to address this issue, including the removal of old buses, the introduction of electric vehicles, and a ban on establishing new brick kilns around Dhaka.

“We want development, but not by destroying nature. Wetland filling, hill cutting, and negligence in waste management cannot be allowed anymore, and development must be planned in line with nature,” she said, emphasizing the need for protecting nature.

Referring to the need for citizen responsibility in curbing the use of polythene, she said protecting the environment is not just the government’s responsibility but everyone’s duty. “Use jute or cloth bags when going to the market. Environmental protection is a democratic responsibility, not an individual one,” she added.

The adviser proposed three model projects on waste management for Dhaka North and South City Corporations. “Waste must be managed in a sustainable, biodegradable, and recyclable manner. Single-use plastics must be banned without delay,” she added.

Referring to recent fires at landfill sites in Aminbazar and Matuail, she warned that these incidents pose a threat to public health, adding, “Such fires are increasing the risk of lung cancer among nearby residents. This issue must be resolved urgently.”

“Old trees must not be cut down in the name of road expansion. Development must be planned while preserving trees. The Forest Department and the Public Works Department are working together to revise the museum design to protect existing trees,’’ the adviser said.

  North City Corporation Administrator Mohammad Azaz, Environment Department Director Ziaul Haque, and Stamford University Professor Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, among others spoke at the event.

More than 300 young climate activists from across the country attended the event. Leaders from various political parties also participated, presenting their respective party positions on climate and environmental issues. 

They expressed their commitment to prioritizing climate and the environment in their upcoming election manifestos.