News update
  • UN says former BD govt behind possible 'crimes against humanity'     |     
  • UN report finds brutal, systematic repression of July protests     |     
  • At AI Summit, diplomats mull destiny of tech revolution     |     
  • Reaching for stars: We know answers to support women in STEM     |     
  • Trump talks Gaza takeover plan to Jordan's King Abdullah     |     

Adviser Urges Students to Champion Environmental and Social Justice

Staff Correspondent; Environment 2025-02-10, 5:32pm

images1-83e318460f500e891fdd5c0f07c3642f1739187154.jpg




Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, encouraged students to become responsible citizens and future leaders committed to creating an environmentally sustainable and socially just Bangladesh.


"Together, we can build a Bangladesh free from exploitation and injustice—a nation that upholds the rule of law, champions justice, and sets an example for others to follow," she emphasized.

In her speech at the Convocation Ceremony of the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) on Monday at the BICC, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Rizwana stressed the importance of character and service. She urged graduates to be compassionate, socially responsible, and environmentally conscious in both their personal and professional lives.

The Adviser made two key appeals to the graduates: first, to refrain from unnecessary honking to promote a peaceful, environmentally friendly society, and second, to reduce single-use plastic consumption to combat growing plastic pollution and ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

Reflecting on the resilience of the younger generation, she acknowledged their sacrifices for a nation free from oppression and discrimination. "This dream of a new Bangladesh has been made possible because of your bravery," she said, reminding students that their education is not just for career success but for serving society.

Rizwana also addressed the environmental challenges posed by traditional development models and urged a shift towards sustainable practices. "Development should not come at the cost of nature. To truly progress as a nation, we must redefine development to minimize environmental harm and improve sustainability," she stated. She encouraged IUBAT to lead in promoting a model of progress that balances economic growth with environmental preservation.

As the graduates embark on their futures, Rizwana expressed confidence that they would uphold integrity, innovation, and social responsibility. "With the education you have received, I trust you will be the change-makers driving Bangladesh towards a greener, more just future," she concluded.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Prof. Dr. Abdur Rab, Vice-Chancellor of IUBAT; Convocation Speaker Prof. Dr. Tamsin Bradley, Professor at the University of Portsmouth, UK; Professor Selina Nargis, Treasurer of IUBAT; and Riana Azad, an award-winning graduate.