The Indigenous Food and Grain Fair 2025 opened on Friday at the Mirpur Parbatya Bouddha Sangha Complex, where Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan called for stronger protection of traditional food culture, production systems and natural resources, according to a press release.
Bangladesh’s cultural and ecological diversity is a national strength, she said, adding that harmful practices such as the use of polythene shopping bags must end. “The more diversity a country preserves, the more beautiful it becomes,” she said at the inauguration.
The Environment Adviser said the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources have continued coordinated drives against illegal brick kilns in Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachhari despite limited manpower. She said the operations encountered road blockades and attacks but noted that state intervention against environmental destruction is now more visible.
Hill cutting, the destruction of jhau forests and the loss of natural forests are major environmental threats, she said, adding that none of these practices can be justified in the name of tradition. Establishing divisional-level marketing centres would support farmers, she said, adding that she would recommend necessary coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.
The programme was attended by Dhaka University professor Robayet Ferdous, Parbatya Bouddha Sangha convener Tapon Bikash Chakma and indigenous rights activist Mainthin Promila. Nagarik Uddyog chief executive Zakir Hossain chaired the event.
After inaugurating the fair, the Environment Adviser visited the stalls and spoke with participants. In response to questions about the earthquake felt earlier in the day, she said disaster preparedness must be improved and that the protection of hills and water bodies remains crucial.
