Staff Correspondent

Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Abdul Awal Mintoo, MP, said on Friday that development and nature must walk hand in hand.

He emphasized the necessity of building a Bangladesh where infrastructural and economic development coexists harmoniously with nature, making economic growth, environmental conservation, and human welfare companion pathways.

The Environment Minister made these remarks while handing over awards and honors to the recipients of the 'Dwijen Sharma Environment Award 2025' at the Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad Auditorium of Bangla Academy on Friday.

The prestigious event was jointly organized by BRAC Bank and Tarupallab.

Addressing the ceremony as the chief guest, Abdul Awal Mintoo said, "Nature conservation is no longer an alternative choice; it is our national duty. Today's awardees have proven that an individual's dedication and initiative can bring long-term positive changes to the environment and inspire others. This collective drive to protect nature must be replicated across society."

The Minister further announced that under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, MP, and as part of fulfilling the government's electoral pledges, the ministry has taken initiatives to implement the 'National Green Mission.'

This year, the Dwijen Sharma Environment Award 2025 was conferred upon Prof Dr. Md. Ashrufuzzaman for biodiversity research (Nisarga Award), 'Pran Baichittra Khamar' for sustainable agricultural practices (Biodiversity Award), Md. Badsha Miah for tree plantation at the grassroots level (Brikshakha Sammanona), Umme Kulsum Poppy for creating environmental awareness through digital media (Sobuj Sarathi Sammanona), Sumaiya Maryam for technology-based plant enumeration (Nobin Nisorgi Sammanona), and Prof Dr. Kazi Ahsan Habib for marine biodiversity conservation (Poribesh Kirtiman Sammanona).

The award ceremony was attended by Nazma Mobarek, Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division under the Ministry of Finance, along with senior officials of BRAC Bank and Tarupallab, environmentalists, researchers, and journalists from various media outlets.