Photo : BSS

KHULNA, June 25, 2025 (BSS) - World Environment Day 2025 was observed in Khulna today with the theme "No more plastic pollution, now, it's time to end it," through a series of awareness-raising programmes.

The Khulna Divisional and District Administrations, in association with the Department of Environment (DoE), jointly organized a discussion meeting at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner's office to mark the occasion.

Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Firoz Sarkar attended the meeting as the chief guest, with Md Saiful Islam presiding over the session.

In his remarks, the chief guest underscored the urgent need to eliminate plastic pollution and encouraged the use of jute-based products as sustainable alternatives. 

"To preserve a livable environment, we must forge a deeper connection with nature," he said.

He warned that environmental degradation driven by human activity in the name of development is threatening biodiversity, harming livelihoods and accelerating climate change. 

"Rising global temperatures due to the greenhouse effect are already reducing agricultural yields," he added.

Firoz Sarkar also stressed the importance of building mass awareness to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future.

Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Tazul Islam, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Laskor Tazul Islam, Superintendent of Khulna Range DIG Kazi Moin Uddin, addressed the event as special guests.

Md Sadiqul Islam, acting Director of the DoE Khulna office, delivered the welcome address, while Dr Salma Begum, a professor of Environmental Science at Khulna University, presented the keynote paper.

Later, winners of essay and art competitions were awarded at a prize-giving ceremony held at the DoE conference room.

Earlier in the day, a colorful rally was brought out from the divisional commissioner's office premises, drawing enthusiastic participation from people of all walks of life.