Politics will focus on people’s rights and empowerment in building an equitable society: Environment Adviser

ছবিঃ সংগৃহীত

News Desk: “We want an equitable society where politics focuses on people’s rights and empowerment,” said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources.

She made these remarks on Saturday at the 2025 Convocation of Stamford University Bangladesh, held at the Expo Village of the Bashundhara International Convention Center in Dhaka.

Adviser Hasan urged caution against increasing negative propaganda in society and emphasized that Bangladesh’s problems are deep-rooted and cannot be solved in just a year or two. She highlighted the crucial role of families, society, and educational institutions in shaping a responsible and capable generation.

She said that to build an equitable and just Bangladesh, positive change must begin within ourselves. Despite past injustices, wrongs, and challenges, the dreams of the people have repeatedly driven society forward.

Rizwana Hasan further stressed the need to focus on environmental conservation and climate change mitigation for the sake of our own future and that of the country. She called on everyone to take responsible action from their own positions to build a humane, environmentally conscious, and women-friendly society.

She warned that if awareness is not raised now, future generations may not recognize Bangladesh as we know it. However, she noted that problems like air pollution, deforestation, and river pollution cannot be solved overnight. Gradual solutions are required. She mentioned that river restoration programs have already begun, and amendments to environmental laws and policies are underway. With proper support, these initiatives can be further accelerated.

Highlighting the importance of animal welfare, she added that religion teaches us to show compassion to animals. To build a humane society, kindness toward animals and nature is essential.

In his speech as the presiding officer, Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed encouraged students to take responsibility, think and work for society, work hard, dream big, and advance in the service of humanity.

Other speakers included Professor Dr. Farahnaz Firoz, Chairman of the University Board of Trustees, Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Yunus Mia, and Registrar Muhammad Abdul Matin.

At Convocation 2025, a total of 1,407 graduates from five faculties and fourteen departments received their degrees. Ten students from the five faculties were awarded the Chancellor’s Gold Medal for achieving the highest CGPA, and forty more students received the Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medal.