Development at What Cost? Rizwana Condemns Environmental Destruction | Latest News

During a recent session at the “Conference on Agricultural Production and Biodiversity” in Dhaka, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser, stressed the need for balancing development with environmental protection. She highlighted that sustainable development requires a strong connection between agriculture, biodiversity, and food security.

Rizwana shared a clear message: “Destroying the environment in the name of development is unacceptable.” She urged attendees to make environmental issues a top priority in discussions about progress.

She pointed out that to achieve food security, it is essential to protect the environment and uphold farmers’ rights. Rizwana called for a shift in perception. The idea that development must harm the environment has to change. When industries face scrutiny for pollution, the focus often shifts to job losses, neglecting the impact on communities reliant on clean rivers for their livelihoods.

Additionally, she expressed concern over the illegal extraction of topsoil for brick production, describing it as “plunder.” Rizwana announced government efforts to introduce the Agricultural Land Protection Act, emphasizing that without it, Bangladesh’s agricultural land is at risk.

Highlighting the significance of organic farming, she warned that relying heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides degrades the soil. “We must invest in organic fertilizers to develop a sustainable agricultural model,” she asserted.

Rizwana also called for a collective rethink on consumption patterns, reminding everyone that while we voice concerns about energy shortages, we often waste electricity unnecessarily.

On a positive note, the government has begun a restoration project in Madhupur Sal Forest. This initiative aims to replace eucalyptus trees with native sal trees and other endangered species. Rizwana stressed the need for policy reforms to secure a sustainable future.

Other speakers included economist Anu Muhammad, Abdul Awal Mintoo, and Khushi Kabir, who echoed Rizwana’s sentiments about the urgent need for change.

According to recent statistics, globally, agriculture contributes to 14% of greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, promoting sustainable practices can significantly reduce this impact. A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) emphasizes that adopting sustainable agriculture can enhance food security and mitigate climate change.

As the conversation around environmental protection evolves, it’s crucial to combine development initiatives with efforts to preserve the environment. This balance is key to ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for all.

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