On this World Environment Day, we take pride in the policies implemented by successive governments led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP, including historic canal-digging programme, initiatives to combat climate change and promote green energy, ambitious tree plantation schemes, introduction of clean vehicles such as CNG, and the ban on polythene bags and CO2-generating three wheelers, among others.
However, disregarding our commitment to an eco-friendly world, the illegitimate Awami League government continues to undertake corruption-ridden mega projects, including coal-fired power stations in Rampal, Banshkhali, Payra, Phulbari, Matarbari, and Maheshkhali, as well as the nuclear power plant in Rooppur, Kutubdia LNG terminal, and nationwide highways and bridges — all without proper impact assessments, devastating our natural landscapes. It’s disheartening that Dhaka, the symbol of national development, ranks at the top globally, for worst air quality and as the worst city to live in.
While numerous projects of the Sheikh Hasina regime pose significant risks to our ecosystem, I urge all activists, affiliates, and supporters of BNP to demonstrate our environmental commitment through personal, professional, and organisational activities, raising awareness and advocating for sustainable practices. Personally, I’ve a dream that when my party is elected to form the government, we’ll plant 50 million trees across the country, in an effort to achieve our goal to build a green and clean Bangladesh.