Staff Correspondent

Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Abdul Awal Mintoo emphasized that the national economy must be rendered more resilient to counter the impacts of climate change, describing climate change as an active challenge to the country's economy, agriculture, industry, and public life rather than a distant concern.

He made the observations as the chief guest at a green dialogue titled "Green Dialogue: Climate Change and Re-aligning the Economy," organized by the daily Bonik Barta at the Grand Ballroom of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka on Thursday.

Faridpur-03 Member of Parliament Nayab Yusuf Ahmed, Brahmanbaria-05 Member of Parliament Md. Abdul Mannan, and Reserved Women Seat-49 Member of Parliament Sultana Jasmin were present at the event.

The Minister noted that extreme heat reduces industrial labor productivity, while rising salinity in coastal zones puts severe strain on arable land and drinking water. 

Discussing current economic indicators, Minister Mintoo pointed out that Bangladesh is navigating growth deceleration, inflation, investment constraints, and energy sector pressures. Citing updated World Bank projections indicating a potential growth rate of 3.4% for the 2025–26 fiscal year. 

Highlighting agriculture as a foundation for food security, rural employment, poverty reduction, and market stability, he urged the implementation of timely adaptation strategies to protect climate-vulnerable agricultural production. 

Special guest Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Md. Saimum Parvez stated that despite contributing minimally to global climate change, Bangladesh remains severely impacted by internal displacement, salinity intrusion, floods, and cyclones. 

Moderated by Bonik Barta Editor and Publisher Dewan Hanif Mahmud, the panel discussion featured Meghna Group of Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mostafa Kamal, TK Group Group Director Mohammad Mustafa Haider, United Commercial Bank PLC Chairman and Ananta Group Managing Director Sharif Zahir, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) Managing Director Md. Fazlul Kader, HAMS Group Managing Director Engr. Shafiqur Rahman, Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Distinguished Fellow Dr. Fahmida Khatun, and Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) Acting Managing Director S.M. Monirul Islam

HAMS Garments Limited and IDCOL received honors for their contributions to eco-friendly industrialization and climate finance. HAMS Garments achieved a global record score of 108 out of 110 under the international LEED Platinum certification, while IDCOL was recognized for bringing 23 million USD in carbon revenue to Bangladesh through solar home systems.

Over 400 representatives, including policymakers, economists, industrial entrepreneurs, and climate and development experts, attended the program.