On the morning of Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Professor K.M. Rabbani was awarded the “Sabuj Sathi Sammanona 2025” at an environmental assembly held at the Mongla Upazila Parishad Auditorium. He received this recognition for his outstanding contributions to the conservation of coastal biodiversity and the environment.
The event was jointly organized by the national climate and environmental advocacy organizations Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA), Waterkeepers Bangladesh, and Pashur River Waterkeeper.
The assembly commenced at 11:00 AM, presided over by Sharif Jamil, Central Member Secretary of DHORA and Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh. The event’s chief guest was Sharmin Akhter Sumi, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Mongla. The special guest of honor, Professor K.M. Rabbani, Principal of Mongla Government College, delivered a speech following the conferral of the award.
Other special guests included Tofazzal Sohel, Khowai River Waterkeeper; Md. Noor Alam Sheikh, Pashur River Waterkeeper and Coordinator of “Sundarban Rokkhae Amra”; Prashanta Kumar Hawlader, Upazila Agriculture Officer; Md. Selim, Principal of Mongla Technical and Business Management College; and renowned tree-lover and environmental advocate Subhash Chandra Biswas.
Additional speeches were delivered by environmental activists Israfill Boyati, Abdur Rashid Hawlader, Kamola Sarker, Hasib Sardar, and Mehedi Hasan.
In her address, Chief Guest UNO Sharmin Akhter Sumi stated, “The current government prioritizes environmental and ecological conservation. Mongla, being in a critical ecological zone adjacent to the Sundarbans, will not tolerate any environmentally harmful activities that violate laws or regulations.”
Honoree Professor K.M. Rabbani remarked, “Love for trees is an inherent part of our social upbringing. We inherit this affection from our parents and grandparents. When planting trees, we must also consider whether they can provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.”
In his concluding speech, Sharif Jamil emphasized, “Despite the ongoing environmental crisis, Bangladesh is home to many dedicated individuals working tirelessly to protect nature. Highlighting such positive examples can inspire more people to join the cause of environmental preservation. The collective efforts of all are crucial in protecting the biodiversity of the Sundarbans and the coastal regions. The environmentally destructive Rampal coal-based power plant must be shut down immediately. If not, it would indicate a lack of sincere commitment by the government to protect the environment.”
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