Photo: PID

DHAKA, Sept 02, 2026 - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo said today's steps to address climate crisis will ensure future security.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest today at the 'World Environment Day and Environment Fair 2026 Closing Ceremony and Award Distribution' ceremony held at the auditorium of the Department of Environment (DoE) in Agargaon in the capital.

The environment minister said effective steps must be taken now to address the growing risks of climate change. Sustainable development can be ensured only if a green economy is established through a combination of environmental protection, social development and economic progress, he said. 

An environment-friendly economy will play an important role in addressing the challenges of sustainable development in the 21st century, Mintoo said. He said sustainable development goals can be achieved through minimum carbon emissions, efficient use of resources, pollution-free production systems and creation of green jobs.

The environment minister said due to global warming, the frequency and intensity of various natural disasters, including sea level rise, salinity in coastal areas, cyclones, tidal waves, flash floods, erratic rainfall, drought and heatwaves, are increasing.  These risks are a matter of deep concern for coastal and low-lying countries like Bangladesh, he said.

He said the government has formulated the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023-2050 to address the adverse impacts of climate change in the long run. In addition, he said, a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions has been set by formulating the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0). 

The government is also working to formulate a long-term low-emission development strategy to address climate risks and strengthen international climate finance and partnerships, he said.

The minister said the issues of environment, ecology, biodiversity and climate change are closely related to achieving sustainable development goals, so environmental protection must be ensured in every aspect of development. He said it is possible to build a green, safe and livable Bangladesh only through the conscious participation of the people along with the government.

Stressing the need for developing environmental awareness and values ??among the future generation, Mintoo said children and adolescents should be made aware of love for nature from an early age, avoidance of polythene use, prevention of noise pollution, economical use of electricity and water, and conservation of trees and biodiversity. 

He congratulated the winners of various competitions organised on the occasion of World Environment Day 2026 and the awardees of the best stall participated in the Environment Fair. Speaking as a special guest at the event, Environment Secretary (in charge) Dr Fahmida Khanam said the impacts of climate change is now extremely real. 

The recent terrible flood in Nepal was due to the melting of glaciers caused by global temperature rise, she said.  "Flash floods or sudden floods have also increased in Bangladesh. Now floods are not only happening in haor or low-lying areas but also in hilly areas," she said. 

Presided over by DoE Director General Dr Md. Lutfor Rahman, the event was attended by senior officials of the ministry and the DoE, winners of various competitions and their guardians and representatives of civil society and journalists.