Experts stress on climate-resilient development, environmental focus

Experts and planners have called for greater integration of environmental priorities, scientific planning and community participation in development projects to help Bangladesh better cope with the growing impacts of climate change.

The call came at a seminar titled “Climate-Resilient and Environment-Friendly Planning”, organised by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) at its conference hall in Banglamotor, Dhaka, marking World Environment Day 2026.

Speaking at the event, BIP Vice President Dr Farhana Ahmed said Bangladesh remains one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, facing challenges such as sea-level rise, floods, droughts, cyclones and heatwaves. She stressed that science-based and planned development is essential to ensure a safe and sustainable future.

The seminar was chaired by BIP President Dr Muhammad Ariful Islam and moderated by BIP Vice President-1 Sheikh Muhammad Mehedi Ahsan. Senior planners, professionals and BIP board members attended the programme.

Presenting a research paper titled “Lichen-Based Bio Management of Industrial Air Pollution: A Preliminary Investigation in Savar, Bangladesh”, planner Naima Islam Mim identified industrial air pollution as a major environmental concern.

She said traditional pollution-control methods are often expensive and complex, whereas lichens could provide a natural and cost-effective alternative by absorbing harmful pollutants, including lead and copper. She recommended introducing lichen-based bio-monitoring systems and expanding nature-based solutions in industrial areas.