Development must not come at the cost of destroying nature, said Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today (23 August).
“All forms of development must be pursued while conserving nature. Our identity is tied to rivers, and they must not be polluted. We must cherish our rivers, trees and hills. The message of nature must reach the people,” she said while addressing the National Inter-College Cultural and Debate Competition-2025 held at the National University in Gazipur.
Highlighting the role of youth, Rizwana, also the adviser of Ministry of Water Resources, said the future of the country lies in the hands of the young generation. They have the courage to face any challenge, and they are the foundation of a new Bangladesh, she added.
“If young people remain united, any problem can be solved. To build a beautiful Bangladesh, all forms of discrimination must be eradicated from the society. No one before has called so strongly for breaking down inequality,” she said.
The event was presided over by National University Vice-Chancellor Professor SM Amanullah. Pro-vice chancellors Professor Md Lutfar Rahman and Professor Md Nurul Islam, Treasurer Professor ATM Zafarul Azam, among others, addressed the event.
Later, the adviser distributed prizes, crests, and certificates among the winners of the competition.
She also visited Belai Beel in Gazipur.