CAJF organises children's art competition at Environment Fair

There is no alternative to raising environmentally conscious children in order to address the challenges of climate change, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss, said Ziaul Haque, additional director general of the Department of Environment.

He said that if children are taught from an early age to respect nature, trees, rivers, canals, and the environment, they will grow into responsible citizens who can make meaningful contributions to the country's development.

Protecting the environment is not solely the responsibility of the government; it is a shared responsibility of families, educational institutions, and every member of society.

He made these remarks while addressing the prize-giving ceremony of a children's art competition organized by the Climate Action and Justice Foundation (CAJF) during the ongoing Environment Fair in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Tuesday.

The ceremony was chaired by Arifuzzaman Mamun, founder and chairman of CAJF. Distinguished social worker and businessman SM Raihan (Tonu) and Ahsan Rony of Green Savers attended as special guests. Among those present were Raoman Smita, secretary general of CAJF; and Executive Members Mohsina Shawon, Murshida Khatun, Burhan Uddin, Mehedi Hasan Khan Topu, and Mohiuddin Khan.

Addressing the audience, Ziaul Haque said that parents have a crucial role in shaping children's environmental values. If parents demonstrate environmentally responsible behavior in their daily lives, children will naturally adopt those habits, which will become the foundation of their future.

He emphasised that environmental protection is not limited to planting trees. It also includes reducing plastic consumption, ensuring proper waste management, conserving water and electricity, and adopting environmentally friendly practices in everyday life.

Expressing concern over both environmental and noise pollution, he said legal action is being taken against unnecessary use of vehicle horns, emissions of black smoke, and violations of environmental regulations. Referring to the Environment Conservation Act and the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, he said traffic police are authorized to impose fines in applicable cases. However, he stressed that increasing public awareness is just as important as enforcing the law.

"The small steps we take today to protect the environment will help build a cleaner, greener, and more liveable Bangladesh tomorrow," he said, urging everyone to contribute to environmental conservation to ensure a safe planet for future generations.

Earlier, more than fifty children from different parts of the capital participated in the Art competition, which was organized to promote environmental awareness among young people. At the end of the competition, every participant received a certificate and a tree sapling, while the top fifteen contestants were presented with special awards. The event was supported by the Global Law Thinkers Society and Zia Art Gallery.

Speaking on the occasion, Arifuzzaman Mamun, Founder and Chairman of CAJF, said that the primary objective of the initiative was to nurture environmental awareness, love for nature, and a sense of responsibility among children.

"Today's children are tomorrow's leaders. Therefore, environmental education must begin within the family," he said, calling on people from all walks of life to join the movement for building a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable Bangladesh.