Staff Reporter: Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, emphasized that while sustainability is a widely used term, it often lacks a proper definition and criteria—risking the spread of greenwashing rather than ensuring justice or equity. “This concern is especially critical for Bangladesh as we prepare to graduate from the least developed country (LDC) category. If we are to make this transition meaningful, the standards we adhere to must evolve,” she said.

Addressing the concept of a just transition, she stressed the importance of expanding the conversation beyond the energy sector. “Every sector—textiles, agriculture, manufacturing—must have clear guidelines and standards so the entire country moves forward together, not just isolated units.”

Environment Advisor said this while delivered address at a session titled “Bangladesh Just Transition Academy: Decent Work for All in a Green Economy”  organised by the International Labour Organization at the BICC, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital on Tuesday.

The Environment Advisor observed that although the journey toward sustainability has begun, particularly in the private sector and often under pressure from international buyers, it remains fragmented and informal. “We have yet to collectively define what we agree to, and more importantly, what we reject.”

Citing her own experience in environmental advocacy, Rizwana Hasan pointed to the flawed perception of technological fixes. “When we challenged the burnt brick industry, the shift to zigzag kilns was presented as a sustainable solution. But these still polluted air, stripped agricultural lands of topsoil, and led to hill-cutting. Raising chimney heights was offered as another fix. Yet these were just patchwork solutions. Thirty-two countries have already phased out burnt bricks—Bangladesh must commit to a full transition to alternatives that protect our air, soil, and labor force.”

She criticized the prevailing tendency to circumvent environmental challenges rather than confront them directly. “In every sector—from labor exploitation to overuse of water—solutions often emerge from the private sector but rarely scale up. We need structural change.”

The Environment Advisor called on academic institutions to guide national efforts across sectors. She also urged public agencies to embed environmental values into their core functions. “People expect the Department of Environment to approve every project. When we say ‘no’ based on environmental risks, we’re seen as blocking development—as though development and environmental protection are mutually exclusive. This mindset must change.”

She underscored the need for all government bodies, including local government, transport, and energy, to share a unified commitment to sustainability. “Green certification for buildings means little if we overlook gender sensitivity, labor welfare, water recycling, and energy efficiency. Look around—it’s not even 10 a.m., yet this room is ablaze with artificial light. Had the building been properly designed, this wouldn’t be necessary.”

Reflecting on the broader picture, Rizwana Hasan stated: “We often pressure the government to avoid load-shedding while continuing to waste imported energy. This is not just a policy issue—it’s a question of internalizing values, not just ticking boxes.”

She expressed hope that international organizations, alongside government, private sector, and civil society, would push for sustainable practices that go beyond isolated projects and shape national policies. “This is not just for one government—it is about creating institutional legacies for the future.”

In conclusion, she reaffirmed her full support from the Department of Environment, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, in advancing a truly just and sustainable transition for Bangladesh.

Biniyougbarta/Shamim//