State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam spoke at a session on the second day of the GEF conference held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Photo: PID

DHAKA, June 5, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam today has called upon member states of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to work collectively to build a livable planet for all.

The state minister made the call while speaking at a session on the second day of the GEF conference held today in Samarkand of Uzbekistan, said a press release here. 

Faridul Islam said, "Environment pollution can be reduced significantly if the sources of pollution are identified, and coordinated actions are taken timely." 

The state minister further said that, as part of implementing the government's electoral pledges, Bangladesh is working on key programs over the next five years including planting 25 crore trees, re-excavating 20,000 kilometers of rivers and canals, generating 10,000 megawatts of solar power, and generating electricity from waste. Additionally, nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation activities are being adopted.

“Bangladesh is firmly committed to implement the goals and commitments of the GEF to protect the environment and combat climate change," he said.

Representatives from 186 member countries, environmentalists, non-governmental development organizations (NGOs), and private sector representatives are participating in the GEF conference held in Samarkand.