Speakers at a virtual discussion laid emphasis on the formation of environment clubs in all the educational institutions across the country to raise awareness among the new generation about the conservation of nature and biodiversity.
They also urged the young generation to strengthen the movement to protect the environment with their active participation and thus force the authorities to take effective steps in this regard.
Poribesh Bachao Andolon (Poba), a voluntary environmental organisation, arranged the discussion, marking World Environment Day.
Speaking at the programme as the chief guest, former Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique said awareness among the people of all walks of life is necessary to protect the environment. “Nature can’t be destroyed with our greed for wealth.”
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He said various harmful viruses are spreading while disasters are emerging due to attacks on nature and onslaughts on the environment. “So, the young generation should play an active role in saving the environment and biodiversity.”
Prof Arefin said environmental awareness and education among the new generation is necessary to check the pollution and protect nature.
“We’ve to try to bring nature back to its old order. It's encouraging that the young people are coming forward and getting involved in various initiatives to protect the environment,” he observed.
Poba general secretary Eng Abdus Sobhan said, “We need concerted efforts to protect the environment and nature. Active participation of people from all walks of life, especially the youth, are necessary in this regard.”
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He said sustainable development without harming the environment will be possible only if the young generation can understand the extent of the damages being done to the ecosystem in the name of unplanned development.
Poba chairman Abu Naser Khan, green activist MA Waheed Russell, Poba secretaries Mesbah Sumon and Nishat Mahmud, Green Force member Farzana Yasmeen Poppy and Dhaka University Environment Parliament President Abu Sadat Sayem, among others, spoke at the programme.