Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan has urged the youth to work for the country by moving away from greed, power, financial irregularities and corruption.
She said that youth must work unitedly to address the risks of climate change.
She said this in her speech as the chief guest at a discussion titled ‘Manifesto Talk: Youth Environment and Climate’ organized at the Department of Environment in Agargaon, Dhaka today, Saturday (May 31, 2025).
Participating in the discussion, she formally inaugurated the Youth Climate Coalition.
Regarding air pollution, the advisor said, ‘The government has taken three major initiatives to address this problem – removing old buses, introducing electric vehicles and banning the establishment of new brick kilns around Dhaka.’
Regarding development, she said, ‘We want development, but not by destroying nature. Filling water bodies, cutting down mountains or neglecting waste management cannot continue. Development plans must be made with respect for nature.’
Referring to the role of citizens in banning polythene, the advisor said, ‘It is not only the government’s responsibility, but everyone’s responsibility to protect the environment. Use jute or cloth bags when going to the market. Protecting the environment is a democratic responsibility, it is not the responsibility of anyone alone.’
He proposed taking up three model projects in the North and South City Corporations on waste management.
The advisor said, waste must be managed in a sustainable, biodegradable and recyclable way. Single-use plastic must be banned immediately.
