Norbu Wangchuk, Director General of the SACEP met with Adviser Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan at the Bangladesh Secretariat today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Nov 27, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources Adviser Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today called for taking joint efforts based on mutual trust, cooperation and continuous dialogue among the South Asian nations aiming to address environmental crises. 

She underscored the need for strong regional platforms like SACEP in tackling shared issues such as transboundary air pollution, river basin management, cross-border plastic waste movement, and the protection of critical ecosystems, including the Sundarbans.

The environment adviser made these remarks when Norbu Wangchuk, Director General of the South Asian Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP), paid a courtesy call on her at the Bangladesh Secretariat here. 

The meeting focused on strengthening regional cooperation on climate action, environmental protection, and transboundary ecological challenges in the South Asia.

During the meeting, Wangchuk highlighted SACEP's ongoing initiatives across member countries-including climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, air quality improvement, and marine pollution control programs. 

He praised Bangladesh's environmental leadership and reaffirmed SACEP's readiness to support Bangladesh through collaborative projects, capacity building, and multi-donor funding platforms.

Rizwana encouraged deeper joint programming between Bangladesh and SACEP, particularly in climate adaptation, air quality management, and biodiversity protection. 

She stressed environmental priorities at the forefront of regional and national policymaking, even during political or economic transitions.

Wangchuk also briefed the adviser on SACEP's governance structure, upcoming Governing Council engagements, and the organisation's expanded plans for technical and programmatic collaboration. 

He invited Bangladesh to play an active leadership role in SACEP's future initiatives, including regional efforts on air quality supported by international development partners.

Rizwana appreciated SACEP's continued cooperation and reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to advancing collective environmental solutions in the South Asia. 

She hoped that strengthened regional collaboration would deliver tangible benefits for the people of the region, especially those most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to enhance coordination and explore new opportunities aligned with Bangladesh's national environmental and climate priorities.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Farhana Ahmed was also present, among others.