Bangladesh needs to move beyond environmental policies and commitments and focus on effective implementation, speakers said at a climate and nature conservation event at BRAC University on Saturday.
The remarks came at the two-day “Celebrating World Environment and Nature Conservation Day 2026” at the BRAC University auditorium, where government officials, academics, environmental experts, private-sector representatives, development practitioners and young people gathered to discuss practical solutions for protecting the country’s environment.
They stressed stronger institutions, practical solutions and collective action to address the country’s growing environmental challenges.
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam speaking as the chief guest, said environmental protection requires more than policies and awareness, calling for practical and implementable solutions.
He highlighted government priorities including tree planting, coastal afforestation, carbon credits, plastic pollution, waste management, renewable energy, river and wetland restoration, recovery of forest land and pollution control.
The state minister said tree-planting targets should not be measured only by numbers, as species selection must take into account the ecological characteristics of different regions and adequate maintenance is essential for survival.
He also highlighted plans to plant 20 million keora trees in selected coastal areas and ongoing efforts to develop Bangladesh’s carbon-credit framework.
On plastic pollution, Faridul called for reducing unnecessary single-use polythene while ensuring practical alternatives for consumers and traders.
He also urged corporate organizations to use their corporate social responsibility funds strategically to support environmentally friendly alternatives.
Dr Ainun Nishat, professor emeritus and adviser to the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER), said Bangladesh already has numerous laws, policies, strategies and international commitments on environmental protection.
“The question is not whether we understand the problem anymore. The question is whether we are willing to do enough about it,” he said.
Nishat called for stronger partnerships among the government, academia, private sector and other stakeholders.
He also said afforestation programs should not be judged solely by the number of trees planted, stressing the importance of selecting suitable species and ensuring their survival.
Dr A Atiq Rahman, executive director of the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies, said climate action also requires strong institutions capable of implementing national plans.
“Institutional execution is essential. Action plans can only be successfully implemented when dedicated institutions have the capacity and responsibility to carry them forward,” he said.
Syed Mahbubur Rahman, managing director and CEO of Mutual Trust Bank PLC, said environmental protection should not be viewed solely as an environmental issue, as nature, society and the economy are closely interconnected.
The remarks came at the two-day “Celebrating World Environment and Nature Conservation Day 2026,” organized by C3ER at BRAC University with support from Mutual Trust Bank.
The program, being held on August 8-9, brings together government officials, academics, environmental experts, private-sector representatives, development practitioners and young people.
BRAC University Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar said universities have a key role in generating locally relevant solutions and ensuring that research reaches communities beyond academic institutions.
The program continues Sunday with panel discussions, an Environmental Carnival, youth-focused climate sessions, exhibitions and knowledge-sharing activities.