Bangladesh’s State Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Sheikh Faridul Islam called for stronger regional cooperation among South Asian countries to confront climate-change risks and protect the environment. He made the appeal on Monday at the South Asia Regional Climate Cooperation meeting at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka, attended by climate experts, policymakers, researchers, development workers, journalists and youth representatives.

Sheikh Faridul Islam said climate impacts cross national borders and require coordinated policymaking with neighbouring countries. He cited government measures including planting 250 million trees and initiatives to control pollution. He also stressed cooperation on fair river-water shares and cross-border environmental challenges, saying rivers including the Buriganga, Shitalakkhya, Turag and Balu cannot be protected unless pollution sources are stopped.

Speakers urged stronger climate diplomacy, shared river management and action against transboundary air pollution. They also highlighted renewable energy, green connectivity, knowledge and technology exchange, and joint bargaining capacity for international climate finance. The prime minister’s special assistant on environment, forests and climate change, Dr Md Saimum Parvez, called for making SAARC and BIMSTEC more active, while participants said political will and dialogue are essential for resolving cross-border challenges.