Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday urged everyone to embrace a healthy lifestyle by protecting the environment and planting trees for future generations.
Speaking as chief guest at an event marking World Environment Day at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, Prof Yunus stressed that environmental protection must be led by citizens, not just the government.
“Plastic is a poison — not only to people but to all living things. Let’s solve this. Let’s save ourselves,” Yunus said, calling on people to reduce plastic consumption and halt tree felling.
He urged the youth to take the lead in tackling pollution and climate change, saying they are the most creative and powerful force for creating a greener Bangladesh.
“There must be campaigns to stop tree cutting, like the drive to plant trees,” Yunus remarked, hoping that future generations will live in a Bangladesh of clean rivers and green forests.
He warned that humanity will face serious consequences if plastic use continues unchecked. “Plastic accelerates climate crises, natural disasters, and biodiversity destruction,” Yunus said.
The chief adviser also launched the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair-2025, presenting environment and wildlife conservation awards.
He highlighted the government’s plan to protect St Martin’s Island — Bangladesh’s only coral island — through controlled tourism and alternative employment for locals.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Environment Secretary Farhina Ahmed also spoke at the event.
The Environment Fair will continue till June 27, and the Tree Fair will run until July 24.
In a special message marking World Environment Day, Yunus acknowledged the government’s steps to control plastic pollution through regular monitoring, the promotion of eco-friendly alternatives, transboundary pollution prevention, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines.
“This year’s theme, ‘Ending Plastic Pollution,’ is very significant. Let’s plant in a planned way and build a green Bangladesh,” Yunus concluded.