BRAC Bank, in collaboration with Tarupallab, on Friday awarded six individuals with Dwijen Sharma Poribesh Padak 2025 for their contributions to biodiversity conservation, environmental research, afforestation and ecological awareness in the country.
Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo was present as the Chief Guest, while Nazma Mobarek, Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division, attended as the Special Guest at the event held at the Bangla Academy in the city.
Named after late Prof Dwijen Sharma, one of Bangladesh's most celebrated botanists and naturalists, the award recognises individuals and organisations whose dedication to nature continues to inspire communities across the country.
Prof Dr Md Ashrafuzzaman received the Nature Award for conserving rare and endangered plant species, Pran Boichitro Khamar received the Biodiversity Award for promoting natural farming, Md Badsa Mia received the Friend of Trees Award for planting more than 30,000 fruit, timber and medicinal trees over two decades, Umme Kulsum Popy received the Social Influencer Award for using digital platforms to promote sustainable agriculture.
Mosammat Sumaiya Mariam received the Young Naturalist Award for her innovative use of science and digital technology in biodiversity conservation, Prof Dr Kazi Ahsan Habib received the Environmental Research Award for his pioneering work in marine biodiversity conservation.
Calling the award as acknowledgement, Mintoo in his address said that protecting nature was no longer a choice bur a national responsibility.
Bangladesh will be the worst victim of future climate change, temperature rise and sea level rise if the current world climate trend is going on, he feared.
Brick kilns mostly damage the land along with causing air pollution "but we still have alternatives in hand," he added, suggesting development and green efforts concurrently.
Nazma Mobarek said sustainable development required strong collaboration between government, financial institutions and citizens.
Infrastructure got priority in the environment budget, she said. Investment in the environment was not expenditure, rather a base to support the sustainable future, she added.
Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank, said, "We believe responsible banking means creating value for people, society and the planet. By honouring these change makers, we reaffirm our commitment to a greener, more sustainable Bangladesh."
Mokarram Hossain, General Secretary of Tarupallab, said that Dwijen Sharma Poribesh Padak was not only a recognition of achievement; it was a platform to encourage more people to take responsibility for protecting Bangladesh's natural heritage.
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