The Bangladesh Dialogue Hosts TBD Lens IV on “Environment as a Part of Civil Discourse”.
The Bangladesh Dialogue (TBD), successfully hosted the fourth session of TBD Lens on “Environment as a Part of Civil Discourse” at the VC Seminar Room of Ahsanullah University of Science & Technology (AUST), Dhaka.
The session brought together policymakers, academics, climate experts, researchers, youth leaders, and environmental stakeholders to discuss how environmental issues can become an integral part of Bangladesh’s civic and democratic discourse. Through insightful discussions, the speakers emphasized that environmental sustainability requires not only policy reforms but also active public participation and a culture of informed dialogue.
The distinguished speakers included Dr. Saimum Parvez, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Affairs; Prof. Dr. Ashraful Hoque, Vice Chancellor of Ahsanullah University of Science & Technology (AUST); Prof. Dr. Mazharul Islam, Director of the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), AUST; Mohammad Subail Bin Alam, Founding Member of the Centre for Science, Technology Policy and Diplomacy; and Dr. Nurun Nabi, Climate Change Specialist.
The discussion emphasized that environmental sustainability must be treated as a shared national responsibility that extends beyond government policies. Participants agreed that addressing environmental challenges requires stronger public awareness, inclusive civil discourse, and long-term institutional commitment.
The session highlighted the importance of accelerating Bangladesh’s transition toward renewable energy while learning from global experiences in sustainable energy development. Speakers stressed that environmental issues should become an integral part of the country’s social and cultural discourse, as meaningful public participation is essential for building a lasting environmental movement.
The discussion also underscored the need for transparency, accountability, and good governance in environmental decision-making and policy implementation. Participants noted that effective environmental governance depends on public trust, institutional integrity, and evidence-based policymaking.
Finally, the speakers called for greater collaboration among the government, academia, civil society, and citizens to promote environmental awareness, expand renewable energy initiatives, and ensure a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for Bangladesh.
A major highlight of the event was the official unveiling of KLIMA, a new initiative of The Bangladesh Dialogue. The platform was formally launched with the unveiling of its official logo.
Through initiatives such as TBD Lens, The Bangladesh Dialogue continues its commitment to fostering constructive public dialogue, strengthening climate governance, and empowering citizens to become active participants in building a more sustainable and climate-resilient Bangladesh.
— Mahir Ibna Omar