Climate Fair begins in Sylhet: Call to create awareness, action amid worsening environmental crisis
Sylhet Bureau
A two-day climate fair titled on Climate Fair 2025 is being held at the Central Shaheed Minar premises in Sylhet city. The event, aimed at raising awareness on climate change and adaptation, was inaugurated on Wednesday at 12:30 PM with the theme of building a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
In his inaugural address as chief guest, Padmasan Singh , Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development and Human Resource Management) of Sylhet, highlighted the grave impact of climate change on Bangladesh’s once-diverse six-season cycle.
“Bangladesh is a country of six distinct seasons, each with its own charm. But due to global warming, the characteristics of other seasons are disappearing, and we’re increasingly experiencing extended summers and shorter winters. Last year, temperatures nearly touched 40 degrees Celsius, and this year feels even hotter,” he said.
Citing rising carbon emissions, deforestation, and reckless hill-cutting, he warned,
“We are heading toward desertification due to our own actions. What was once written in textbooks 30 to 40 years ago as possible threats due to climate change, is now happening before our eyes. Our natural tourist spots like Jaflong and Bichanakandi are nearing destruction. We litter wherever we go, harming the environment without even realizing the extent of the damage.”
He further added, nature takes revenge through droughts, flash floods, excessive rainfall, river erosion, and landslides. We must act collectively to combat all forms of pollution — air, soil, water, and noise. Tree plantation during the monsoon must be encouraged. If we protect nature, nature will protect us.”
Calling adaptation a survival strategy, the ADC said, this is not just a fair — it’s a movement, a collective call for awareness and climate action. Youth participation is key to sustainable development. Through this event, we learn how individuals, families, institutions, and communities can act to combat climate change.”
The event is jointly organized by Islamic Relief Bangladesh under its IQRA Project and YouthNet Global, with the support of Sylhet City Corporation.
The opening session was presided over by Md. Anwar Hossain, Deputy Program Manager for Climate Change, Adaptation, and Disaster Risk Reduction at Islamic Relief Bangladesh. It was conducted by Humaira Ahmed Zeba, a YouthNet Global member.
The keynote presentation on climate change and adaptation was delivered by Dr. Md. Sharaf Uddin, Professor of Agroforestry and Environmental Science at Sylhet Agricultural University.
Special guests were Md. Anichuzzaman, Additional Deputy Director, Department of Agricultural Extension, Sylhet Md. Mizanur Rahman Mia, District Livestock Officer, Sylhet
A two-day climate fair titled on Climate Fair 2025 is being held at the Central Shaheed Minar premises in Sylhet city. The event, aimed at raising awareness on climate change and adaptation, was inaugurated on Wednesday at 12:30 PM with the theme of building a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
In his inaugural address as chief guest, Padmasan Singh , Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development and Human Resource Management) of Sylhet, highlighted the grave impact of climate change on Bangladesh’s once-diverse six-season cycle.
“Bangladesh is a country of six distinct seasons, each with its own charm. But due to global warming, the characteristics of other seasons are disappearing, and we’re increasingly experiencing extended summers and shorter winters. Last year, temperatures nearly touched 40 degrees Celsius, and this year feels even hotter,” he said.
Citing rising carbon emissions, deforestation, and reckless hill-cutting, he warned,
“We are heading toward desertification due to our own actions. What was once written in textbooks 30 to 40 years ago as possible threats due to climate change, is now happening before our eyes. Our natural tourist spots like Jaflong and Bichanakandi are nearing destruction. We litter wherever we go, harming the environment without even realizing the extent of the damage.”
He further added, nature takes revenge through droughts, flash floods, excessive rainfall, river erosion, and landslides. We must act collectively to combat all forms of pollution — air, soil, water, and noise. Tree plantation during the monsoon must be encouraged. If we protect nature, nature will protect us.”
Calling adaptation a survival strategy, the ADC said, this is not just a fair — it’s a movement, a collective call for awareness and climate action. Youth participation is key to sustainable development. Through this event, we learn how individuals, families, institutions, and communities can act to combat climate change.”
The event is jointly organized by Islamic Relief Bangladesh under its IQRA Project and YouthNet Global, with the support of Sylhet City Corporation.
The opening session was presided over by Md. Anwar Hossain, Deputy Program Manager for Climate Change, Adaptation, and Disaster Risk Reduction at Islamic Relief Bangladesh. It was conducted by Humaira Ahmed Zeba, a YouthNet Global member.
The keynote presentation on climate change and adaptation was delivered by Dr. Md. Sharaf Uddin, Professor of Agroforestry and Environmental Science at Sylhet Agricultural University.
Special guests were Md. Anichuzzaman, Additional Deputy Director, Department of Agricultural Extension, Sylhet Md. Mizanur Rahman Mia, District Livestock Officer, Sylhet
Md. Abdul Quddus Babul, District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer
The session began with recitations from the Holy Quran by scout member Irfan Jahan Johan, and from the Bhagavad Gita by Oishi Dev, YouthNet Global’s coordinator for Moulvibazar district.
The session began with recitations from the Holy Quran by scout member Irfan Jahan Johan, and from the Bhagavad Gita by Oishi Dev, YouthNet Global’s coordinator for Moulvibazar district.
Nazmul Nahid, Capacity Development Coordinator at YouthNet Global, delivered the welcome speech, while Md. Atikur Rahman, Project Manager at Islamic Relief Bangladesh in Sylhet, introduced the project to the attendees.
The inauguration concluded with a ribbon-cutting and symbolic dove release by the chief and special guests, followed by a visit to the various awareness stalls at the fair.
The two-day fair will conclude on Thursday, April 17, with a closing ceremony at 3 PM, where the Administrator of Sylhet City Corporation and Divisional Commissioner, Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi, will attend as the chief guest.
