Environmental leaders, researchers and civic representatives used the reception to highlight the importance of public awareness, scientific research and collective action in protecting Bangladesh’s rivers and natural ecosystems.
More than 40 environmental organisations in Bangladesh jointly honoured Bangladesh River Foundation Chairman and river researcher Monir Hossain on Sunday after he received the National Environment Award 2025 in the environmental education and awareness category.
The reception was held at 10:00 am at the auditorium of the Dhaka South City Corporation, the local government authority responsible for administering the southern part of the Bangladeshi capital. The event was organised by Sammilito Poribeshbadi Sangathan, a joint platform of more than 40 environmental organisations.
The ceremony was chaired by Mukit Majumdar Babu, chairman of Prokriti O Jibon Foundation and a decorated freedom fighter. Abdus Salam, administrator of the Dhaka South City Corporation and also a decorated freedom fighter, attended as chief guest.
Speaking at the event, Salam said protecting rivers and the environment was not solely the government’s responsibility but also a civic duty.
“When dedicated individuals like Monir Hossain receive recognition at the national level, environmental activists become more encouraged,” he said. “Dhaka South City Corporation is committed to working together with environmental organisations to protect the environment and safeguard the water bodies and rivers surrounding the city.”
Among the special guests and speakers were environmental scientist Professor Dr Kamruzzaman Majumdar and Professor Dr Manzurul Kibria of the Department of Zoology at the University of Chittagong, who has been working to protect the Halda River.
In his address, Mukit Majumdar Babu said, “The environment and rivers are facing a severe crisis today. At such a time, it is a matter of great pride that a grassroots activist like Monir Hossain has received the National Environment Award. This initiative by Sammilito Poribeshbadi Sangathan demonstrates that we are united in protecting the environment. If we are to leave a green and prosperous Bangladesh for future generations, this social movement to protect rivers and nature must become even stronger.”
Kibria said Bangladesh’s rivers and natural biodiversity were under threat for various reasons and praised Monir Hossain’s continued work in protecting rivers at the grassroots level.
“His receiving the National Environment Award is a major inspiration for the country’s environmental movement,” he said. “From the Halda River to every river across the country, we must bring together scientific research and social movements. Today’s united reception organised by more than 40 organisations proves that we all stand together in protecting the environment.”
Kamruzzaman Majumdar said greater public awareness could be achieved through environmental education and outreach.
“Monir Hossain has been carrying out institutional and theoretical work on rivers and the environment for many years, and this award is well-deserved recognition of that work,” he said. “More than 40 environmental organisations from across the country have gathered here today to honour him, making it an unprecedented example for the country’s environmental movement.”
Responding to the honour, Monir Hossain said the achievement belonged to every river and environmental activist in Bangladesh.
“The National Environment Award 2025 has increased my responsibility towards nature,” he said. “The love and respect shown to me today by 40 leading environmental organisations of the country will give me the strength to work throughout my life to protect rivers and people’s rights.”
During the ceremony, Sammilito Poribeshbadi Sangathan presented Monir Hossain with a commemorative crest and floral tribute. Central leaders of various environmental organisations, environmentalists, researchers and representatives of civil society also attended the event and pledged to work together to protect rivers and the environment.
