BNP wants to prioritize climate change and environmental protection in election manifesto: Mahdi Amin

In a major policy shift ahead of the upcoming national elections, several political parties in Bangladesh have announced plans to prioritize climate change and environmental protection in their manifestos. This development was highlighted at a discussion titled “Manifesto Talk: Youth, Environment and Climate”, held at the Department of Environment in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Dr. Mahdi Amin, advisor to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, strongly criticized past governments for causing environmental degradation under the guise of mega development projects. He pledged that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will not endorse any projects in its manifesto that harm the environment. Dr. Amin emphasized the revival of the green revolution plan initiated by late President Ziaur Rahman and shared that BNP has already launched nationwide tree plantation campaigns.

Speakers across the political spectrum recognized the critical role of youth in combating climate change. They underscored the need for youth awareness and participation in holding parties accountable and driving eco-friendly policies.

Saiful Islam, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Revolutionary Workers Party, called for political unity on environmental issues. He urged voters to reject candidates involved in river grabbing or deforestation, regardless of their party affiliation.

Habib Rahman, convener of the event, stressed that political collaboration with youth could steer the nation away from environmental disaster.

Bobby Hajjaj of the Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM) noted that his party included climate issues in its 2018 manifesto and would continue aligning with youth demands in the future.

Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami stressed the need for behavioral change among youth, asserting that manifesto pledges alone won’t suffice without youth responsibility.

Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haq Nur highlighted the global dimension of climate change, noting that Bangladesh, despite contributing the least, is among the worst-affected. General Secretary Ramed Khan warned that awareness must accompany political commitments to achieve real impact.

Gono Sanghati Andolan's Abul Hasan Rubel reiterated his party’s support for environmental protections, emphasizing that electoral gains are meaningless without ecological preservation.

National Nagarik Party’s Ariful Islam Adib, representing a youth-led initiative, stated that the party would refuse to support any policies or projects that result in ecological harm.

Chief guest Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Forest, Environment and Climate Affairs Advisor to the interim government, confirmed ongoing government actions against air pollution and illegal river encroachment. She emphasized the need for cooperation from political parties and warned against youth being swayed by financial incentives.

Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Mohammad Ejaz welcomed youth engagement, stating that his administration is working with young people to expand urban greenery. However, he criticized the lack of political support and sabotage from vested interests.

Environmental activist Sharif Jamil and CPRD Chief Executive Md. Shamsuddoha exposed past corruption in environmental projects and called for transparency and accountability in climate funding and development efforts.

Professor Kamruzzaman Majumder commended youth mobilization, stating that while promising, the movement needs firm commitments in political agendas to bring real change.

Livestock and Fisheries Advisor Farida Akhter concluded the event by stressing the importance of preserving Bangladesh’s wetlands. She called for greater youth involvement in ensuring political accountability on environmental issues.

The event, jointly organized by 15 environmental organizations including the Sachetan Foundation, Center for Participatory Research and Dialogue, and the Human Safety Foundation, marked the launch of the Bangladesh Youth Climate Coalition, a new alliance focused on youth-led climate advocacy. The coalition was inaugurated by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, who expressed strong support for the initiative.

As Bangladesh approaches national elections, the environment is finally emerging as a serious electoral issue. With growing youth activism and cross-party engagement, the hope is that climate and environmental protection will no longer be sidelined, but become central to the country’s future development agenda.