He said these things while speaking as the chief guest at the closing and prize-giving ceremony of ‘World Environment Day and Environment Fair 2026’ held on Wednesday (2 September) at the auditorium of the Department of Environment in Agargaon, Dhaka.

The minister said global warming is increasing disasters like sea level rise, salinity, cyclones, storm surges, floods, heavy rainfall, heatwaves and droughts. These risks are extremely concerning for a coastal and low-lying country like Bangladesh.

He informed that the government has formulated the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023-2050 and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) to tackle the impacts of climate change. Besides, initiatives have been taken to build an environment-friendly economy through low carbon emissions, fair use of resources, pollution-free production and creation of green jobs.

Emphasising the need to make future generations environmentally aware, the minister urged children and adolescents to avoid using polythene, prevent noise pollution, use electricity and water frugally, and conserve trees and biodiversity.

At the event, Acting Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Fahmida Khanam said the impacts of climate change are now evident. Due to rising temperatures, sudden floods and other disasters are increasing. If advance warnings are issued, agricultural and health risks can be reduced.

At the event, prizes, crests, certificates and prize money were distributed among the winners of various competitions and the best stalls that took part in the environment fair on the occasion of World Environment Day.