World Environment Day Marked With Climate Call

World Environment Day 2026 was observed across the country on Thursday, alongside global celebrations, with renewed calls for stronger environmental protection, climate action and greater public awareness.

Government agencies, educational institutions, environmental organisations and development partners marked the day through rallies, discussions, tree plantation drives and awareness programmes.

Observed under the theme, “Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future,” the day serves as the United Nations’ flagship platform for promoting environmental awareness and encouraging action to address climate challenges.

Highlighting the role of creative media in tackling environmental issues, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon urged filmmakers to use cinema as a tool to raise awareness about climate change and environmental conservation.

Speaking at the closing session of the Global Trend and Climate Change Film Festival 2026 at the National Library auditorium in Agargaon, the minister said films carrying messages of social change receive priority under the government’s grant programme and pledged support for environment-related productions.

At an international forum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam called on member states of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to work collectively to ensure a livable planet.

He stressed the importance of coordinated international efforts to identify and reduce pollution sources while strengthening climate resilience.

Environment-focused programmes were also organised in different parts of the country. In Naogaon, the DASCOH Foundation distributed 600 tree saplings among farmers and institutions in the drought-prone Barind region to encourage afforestation and reduce carbon emissions.

Tree plantation campaigns were also launched in Gobindaganj of Gaibandha and Singra of Natore, while Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) organised discussions and plantation drives involving organisations working on biodiversity and environmental conservation.

Meanwhile, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Shafiqul Islam Khan announced stricter enforcement against noise pollution in the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport area, recently declared a silent zone.

Addressing a noise-awareness rally at Gulshan-2 Circle, he warned that legal action would be taken against violators under existing regulations.

The observance of the day reflected growing efforts to strengthen environmental protection, conserve biodiversity and build climate resilience through coordinated action and public participation.