Environment Minister Urges Students to Work for Humanity with Strong Moral Values

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News Desk: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has called upon students to enrich themselves with modern technology, scientific knowledge, and humanitarian values and work for the welfare of people. He also described environmental conservation and disaster management as complementary issues, identifying sustainable environmental management as one of the most important elements in reducing disaster risks.

The minister made the remarks on Saturday (June 20) at a workshop titled “Building Future Leaders for a Safer and More Resilient World”, organized by the Bachelor of Disaster Management (BDM) program of the Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Studies at the BRAC University Auditorium in Rampura, Dhaka.

The Environment Minister said that despite being one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Bangladesh has set an exemplary international standard in disaster preparedness and resilience. He said that initiatives such as the Cyclone Preparedness Programme, community volunteer networks, early warning systems, and shelter management have significantly reduced disaster-related deaths in the country.

Abdul Awal Mintoo said disaster management is not merely about post-disaster response; rather, it is a comprehensive process involving advance preparation, risk reduction, and building a resilient society to protect human lives and resources.

He said that governments, international organizations, and development partners worldwide are currently experiencing a growing demand for skilled human resources in areas such as disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and humanitarian assistance.

At the event, the minister informed students and parents about the Bachelor of Disaster Management (BDM) program of BRAC University’s Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Studies. He highlighted the importance of developing skilled human resources to address the impacts of climate change.

He expressed hope that graduates of this program would make significant contributions at both national and international levels in areas including national development, strengthening climate resilience, ensuring environmental sustainability, and reducing disaster risks.

The panel discussion at the workshop included Professor Dr. Fuad H. Malik, Dean of the Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Studies at BRAC University; Dr. Emon Chowdhury, Associate Professor of the department; Dr. Susan Weiss, Country Director of UNESCO Bangladesh; and Kavita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh.

The closing remarks were delivered by Dr. David Doland, Registrar of BRAC University. The workshop was attended by students of the BDM department and their parents.