Seminar on “Mitigation and Adaptation to the Climate Change: Role of Bangladesh Bondhu Foundation (BONDHU" held

A seminar titled “Mitigation and Adaptation to the Climate Change: Role of Bangladesh Bondhu Foundation (BONDHU") was held at the Department of Environment (DoE), Agargaon, Dhaka on 10th June 2024 on the occasion of World Environment Day.

The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran and featured a keynote speech by Dr. Engineer Khalequzzaman, who highlighted BONDHU's extensive work on environmental improvement and climate issues. He referenced the early climate change warnings from poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's 1920 book “Roj Keyamat”. 

Sujit Chowdhury, Executive member of the BONDHU, and a guest of honor, emphasized the need to balance economic and environmental development to eradicate poverty. Another guest, Dr. A.K.M Shameem Alam, Establishment of Peasant Service Centers and Expansion of Technology at Union Level, Department of Agricultural Extension, Khamarbari, Dhaka, discussed the benefits of the Bondhu Chula stove in reducing carbon emissions and improving women's lives while expressing concerns over excessive pesticide use and advocating for golden rice rich in Vitamin A. Dr. B D Rahmat Ullah, Former Director General, Power Cell, Power Division, addressed the negative environmental impacts of coal and nuclear energy, advocating for solar and wind power instead.

Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director General of the Department of Environment, served as the chief guest. He stressed the importance of environmental protection, noting Bangladesh's vulnerability to climate change despite low GHG emissions. He advocated for improving air quality, reducing plastic usage through better management, and increasing public awareness on environmental issues. The event included an open discussion and a pot song performance by the Bondhu Pot Team, highlighting the use of environment-friendly technologies.