Friday, September 26, 2025

Environment Destroyed in the Name of Development: Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron

There is no alternative to protecting the environment for a healthy life. However, as a nation, Bangladesh has failed to achieve significant success in safeguarding the environment and nature. In the Environmental Performance Index, Bangladesh ranks 179th out of 180 countries. The country has also struggled with air pollution, with Dhaka ranking third among 1,200 cities worldwide. Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of Debate for Democracy, stated that during the previous government's tenure, the environment was extensively damaged in the name of development.


He highlighted that the Rampal coal-powered plant has put the biodiversity of the Sundarbans at risk. Additionally, several coal-based power plants, including Matarbari, Barapukuria, and Payra, were constructed without adequate consideration for environmental protection. Economic growth achieved at the cost of environmental degradation is not sustainable, he added.


These remarks were made during a dialogue organized jointly by Debate for Democracy and the Nature and Life Foundation on Thursday, September 25, at the Channel I office in Tejgaon. Kiron further criticized the Awami League government for misusing climate funds on unnecessary projects such as installing streetlights, building bus terminals, repairing roads, constructing college buildings, developing pond embankments, creating parks, addressing waterlogging, and other infrastructure projects that had little to no connection with tackling climate change.


Mukit Majumdar Babu, Chairman of the Nature and Life Foundation, emphasized that environmental education should begin at home. Alongside religious education, children should be taught about environmental conservation from an early age. He noted that pollution is increasingly affecting the nation and that the erosion of values over the past 54 years must be addressed.


He further stated that Bangladesh is among the most climate-vulnerable countries. While facing climate risks, the country is also burdened with climate-related debts. He urged caution to prevent Bangladesh from falling further into the trap of climate debt. Expressing hope, he added that just as the youth played a significant role in the democratic movements of 1952, 1969, 1971, 1990, and 2024, they are expected to take a leading role in environmental conservation in the future.


The dialogue also featured speeches by Dr. Tajul Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, a professor at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, and Dr. S.M. Morshed, Director of Debate for Democracy. Debaters from Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Jagannath University, BRAC University, Dhaka International University, State University, Primeasia University, Eden Mohila College, and Tejgaon College participated in the event.


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