State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam. File photo

DHAKA, August 3, 2026 (BSS) – State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam today said building sustainable cities requires collective efforts from both the government and the people.

"Our city belongs to all of us. The government and the people must work together to make it more livable and sustainable," he said while speaking at a public meeting as the chief guest at the CIRDAP auditorium here today.

The meeting titled "Climate Crisis and Environmental Degradation: The Way Forward for Building Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Cities."

The state minister said the government is implementing various initiatives to reduce air pollution, waterlogging and plastic pollution. 

“Strict action is being taken against illegal brick kilns, and anyone found burning wood will be held accountable,” he noted.

He said drives to curb the use of single-use polythene bags are continuing and more than a hundred enforcement drives have been conducted so far.

He noted that over 200 cases have been filed, and substantial fines have been realized.

The government is working to protect the environment through nature-based solutions to make cities more resilient and livable, he added. 

He said that sustainable cities can be developed through planned urbanization, increased greening, effective waste management, greater use of renewable energy, environmental education and the construction of disaster-resilient infrastructure.

Speaking as a special guest, lawmaker Anisur Rahman Khokon said politicians have the responsibility to listen to the people and raise their concerns at the policy-making level.

Managing Director of the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Kazi Rawnakul Islam (Tipu) also attended the programme as a special guest.

Shah Israt Azmeri, Chairman of the Children Watch Foundation and Chief Executive of the Environmental Innovation and Research Network, presented the keynote paper.

Representatives of various organisations, environmental and climate experts, urban planners, researchers, development professionals, academics, media personnel and members of civil society attended the meeting.