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DHAKA, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said courageous and responsible institutions working for the welfare of nature and people are what the country needs most.
She noted that the government alone cannot reach every corner of society, and such institutions are the government's strongest partners.
Rizwana emphasised that institutions delivering doorstep services at the grassroots level in areas such as healthcare, environmental conservation, and the protection of culture and heritage must work in close coordination with all government agencies.
The environment adviser made these remarks this evening while speaking as the chief guest at a programme jointly organised by Prokriti O Jibon Foundation and Channel i at Chetana Chattar of Channel i in the capital.
She said innovative initiatives such as floating hospitals for marginalised communities not only provide services but also foster a strong sense of responsibility.
She added that floating hospitals could serve as an effective model for implementing the master plan in the haor areas, and praised the organisers for setting an example by hosting a single-use plastic-free event.
Rizwana further said recognition received on home soil increases responsibility and inspires the younger generation.
Congratulating Runa Khan, she said that the work of Friendship proves that integrated efforts in health, environment, culture, and livelihoods form the foundation of sustainable development.
The programme was presided over by Muqeet Majumdar Babu, Chairman of Prokriti O Jibon Foundation.
Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Md Amir Hosain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests and Md Ziaul Haque, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment, also spoke.
Representatives of various social, cultural and environmental movements, researchers, journalists, and members of civil society were also present.
At the event, in recognition of her long-standing outstanding contributions to nature, the environment, and the lives of marginalised people in Bangladesh, the 'Prokriti O Jibon Foundation-Channel i Nature Conservation Award 2025' was presented to Runa Khan, Founder and Executive Director of the social development organisation Friendship.
As part of the award, she received a cheque of Tk 100,000 and a certificate for lifelong free medical treatment.
