Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (DUET), Gazipur, held a tree plantation programme and an open discussion on climate change on Sunday, marking World Environment Day 2026 with a call for stronger environmental awareness and climate-resilient development.
The programme was organised by the university’s Center for Climate Change & Sustainability Research, or 3CSR, at the DUET campus in Gazipur to raise awareness about environmental conservation and the adverse impacts of climate change, the university said in a press release.
Professor Dr Engineer Mohammad Iqbal, Vice-Chancellor of DUET, attended the event as chief guest.
Professor Dr Md Arefin Kowser, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of DUET, was present as special guest, while Professor Dr Md Monowar Hossain, Director of 3CSR, chaired the programme.
The day’s activities began in the morning with the planting of saplings of different species on the premises of Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Hall.
After the plantation programme, an open discussion titled “Climate Change: Today’s Action, Tomorrow’s Security” was held.
Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Engineer Mohammad Iqbal said climate change had emerged as one of the greatest challenges facing human civilisation.
He said policy decisions alone would not be enough to address the impact of climate change, stressing the need for awareness, responsibility and effective initiatives.
Planting a tree, he said, was not merely the act of placing a sapling in the soil, but a step towards ensuring clean air, a safe environment and a habitable planet for future generations.
The Vice-Chancellor urged all to move towards sustainable development by maintaining a balanced relationship between technology and nature.
He said the government had placed special emphasis on environmental conservation, tree plantation and climate-resilient development as part of efforts to build a green, clean and sustainable Bangladesh.
Educational institutions, he said, have an important role in making national environmental initiatives successful, adding that DUET must take a leading position in future leadership, awareness, positive social change and the movement to protect the environment.
Speaking as special guest, Professor Dr Md Arefin Kowser emphasised environment-friendly living, increased greenery and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure.
He also called on the younger generation to become more active and engaged in tackling the challenges of climate change.
Professor Dr Md Akramul Alam, Director of the Institute of Water and Environment, also addressed the event.
In his presidential remarks, Professor Dr Md Monowar Hossain emphasised the need to continue regular tree plantation and research-based initiatives to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and respond to the climate crisis.
He also thanked all participants for joining the programme.
Deans of different faculties, department heads, directors, provosts, office heads, teachers, students, officers and employees of the university attended the tree plantation programme and open discussion.
