Dr. Zubaida Rahman, Vice-President of Ziaur Rahman Foundation, called for the establishment of a dedicated ‘Environment Startup Fund’ to boost sustainable development and ecological protection.
Speaking at Dhaka University’s Curzon Hall on Wednesday, she urged for the immediate launch of ‘Green Volunteering’ initiatives and ‘Climate Youth Fellowships’ to engage the younger generation in environmental conservation.
Event, marking the 45th death anniversary of Ziaur Rahman, featured a month-long tree plantation drive and the inauguration of a science fair titled ‘In Search of Future Scientists’.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Zubaida planted a sapling on the campus grounds. Addressing the audience, she highlighted the historical environmental contributions of Ziaur Rahman, noting that his initiative to plant neem trees in the Saudi Arabian desert still provides relief to thousands of pilgrims.
Emphasising the role of academia, she stated that students and teachers are pivotal in identifying scientific solutions to national crises. She proposed integrating ‘Green Volunteering’ into the national curriculum to foster environmental consciousness among students.
According to Dr. Zubaida, shifting tree plantation from a routine activity to a mass-participation movement could trigger a significant economic and social green revolution.
Event showcased a call for intellectual collaboration across various scientific disciplines, including medicine, botany, physics, chemistry, and information technology. “Scientific innovation offers solutions to many of our country’s challenges; all that is required is initiative and willpower,” she remarked.
She added that research-driven thinking remains the primary engine for Bangladesh’s future progress, urging students to embrace healthy competition to unlock new possibilities.
Programme was chaired by Morshed Hasan Khan, acting executive director of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation. DU Vice-Chancellor Prof A.B.M. Obaidul Islam and former vice-chancellor Prof A.F.M. Yusuf Haider attended the event as special guests, lending their support to the foundation’s vision for a greener, science-oriented nation.
Initiative seeks to build a sustainable future where every village and city thrives in a cleaner, more habitable environment.
