President calls for long-term climate action on World Environment Day

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has said that the government is giving special priority to long-term planning to address climate change and achieve sustainable development goals, as Bangladesh observed World Environment Day 2026.

In a message marking the day, the President said initiatives have been taken to plant 2.5 billion trees over the next five years, create water bodies through canal excavation, expand the use of renewable energy, promote green urbanisation, develop environment-friendly industries, and strengthen pollution control measures.

He said climate change has become a global reality and Bangladesh is among the most vulnerable countries affected by its adverse impacts. Frequent natural disasters such as floods, droughts and cyclones, rising temperatures, sea-level rise and environmental imbalance are significantly affecting the country’s life, biodiversity and economy.

“The government alone or any single institution cannot tackle the climate and environmental crisis. It requires collective efforts,” he said, stressing the need for active participation of the public and private sectors, researchers, civil society and citizens to ensure a safe and sustainable environment for future generations.

The President called for collective responsibility, effective measures and increased public awareness to build a greener and more sustainable Bangladesh.

He also expressed satisfaction that World Environment Day is being observed in Bangladesh, as in other countries, under the initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and welcomed the efforts aimed at raising environmental awareness and protecting ecological balance.

The President wished success for all programmes undertaken on the occasion of World Environment Day 2026.

TZ