1. Let’s start with your early life and the inspiration behind pursuing a career focused on environmental management and conservation.

I was born in Mymensingh, where I attended Mymensingh Zilla School, RK High School, Gouripur, Mymensingh, and later Ananda Mohan College. I then moved to Dhaka University, where I completed my honors and master’s in Zoology, securing first-class-first in both. Following my graduation, I was appointed as a lecturer at Jahangirnagar University and was also selected for a lecturer position at Dhaka University.

Meanwhile, I appeared for the BCS Administration exam and joined the administrative service in February 1988, where I served until December 2021. During this time, I also worked with the United Nations, IUCN, and the Norwegian government.

During my student years, I noticed that environmental issues were largely overlooked in Bangladesh. As an avid reader, I frequently visited the British Council and American Library but found little literature on Bangladesh’s environmental concerns. Determined to address this gap, I gathered a group of friends and founded the Nature Conservation Movement (NACOM). Several professors, including Prof. Kazi Zaker Hossain, Prof. A K M Aminul Islam, Dr. Ali Reza Khan, Prof. Salar Khan joined as advisors.

We often visited the Press Club to engage with senior journalists, including Gias Kamal Chowdhury, who encouraged our environmental advocacy. In 1988, we organized our first formal movement in front of the Press Club, advocating against the killing of migratory birds. We reframed the narrative, emphasizing that these birds were not merely “guests” but part of an ecological cycle—seeking refuge in Bangladesh during harsh winters. The media widely covered our campaign, bringing significant attention to the issue.

Soon after, Wetlands International commissioned us to conduct a survey on migratory birds, studying their origins, species diversity, and migration patterns. With training from our professors, we completed the survey and presented our findings at the Press Club, marking a significant milestone in our environmental efforts.

2. Having served the Bangladesh Civil Service and held senior positions in climate change policy and environmental management, what were some key achievements or challenges you encountered? How did these experiences shape your current approach to conservation?

During my tenure in the Bangladesh Civil Service, I held senior roles in climate change policy and environmental management, leading several conservation initiatives despite significant challenges. One early effort was local volunteering to prevent the killing of migratory birds, even though no specific ordinance existed. We relied on the Bangladesh Wildlife (Preservation) (Amendment) Act 1974 to justify our work, which led to government scrutiny and pressure questioning our activism. However, journalists supported us, publishing articles on saving trees, forests, and birds, amplifying our cause. Various embassies recognized our efforts, funding conferences, and in 1987, we registered NACOM under the Social Welfare Department.

Our involvement expanded to national policies, including the government’s Flood Action Plan, where we assessed potential ecological impacts, highlighting risks to habitats and proposing solutions. By 1991, NACOM was officially a non-profit, and I had joined the government. Over time, policymakers sought our advice on wetland conservation, and we received support from multiple embassies. We organized awareness campaigns, including marathons and walkathons, advocating for the protection of the Sundarbans, haor areas, and migratory birds.

Challenges were inevitable. In Tangail, while conducting a Guishap (monitor lizard) survey, locals threw stones at us, considering us mad for handling “dirty” creatures. We had to explain that we were from Dhaka University, working to protect biodiversity. Similarly, during an elephant survey in Teknaf, one of our colleagues was attacked and injured.

On a policy level, accessing the Green Climate Fund for developing countries was difficult. I played an advisory role in drafting proposals, but government intervention blocked my position, hindering progress. Later, I learned my resistance to corruption made me a perceived threat.

Bureaucratic processes were manageable, but political influence posed greater challenges. While some political leaders were supportive, many viewed environmental policies as obstacles to foreign investment and large-scale development projects. Business interests often conflicted with conservation efforts, as environmental policies mandated protections that increased costs. Despite these struggles, I contributed to shaping Bangladesh’s key policies on biodiversity, environmental conservation, and pollution control. Ultimately, I realized that sustainable development requires strong leadership commitment. Without genuine intent, policies remain ineffective.

3. Over the years, you’ve led numerous development projects in climate change, pollution control, and biodiversity conservation. Could you share a particularly impactful project and what made it successful?

I have played a key role in shaping Bangladesh’s environmental policies and advocating for government action. Some of my most significant contributions include drafting the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contributions), NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) Road Map, National Communication reports, and Bangladesh Biodiversity Act. When I joined in 2015, Bangladesh lacked a formal environmental policy, so I took the initiative to develop and pass it in 2018.

I also co-drafted the Clean Air Act with the current Environment Advisor, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, but it faced resistance from policymakers. The proposed act included strict accountability measures for industry owners, which led to its rejection due to concerns over legal consequences. Despite this setback, I have continued advocating for its approval.

Beyond policy, I spearheaded key environmental management plans, including the Tanguar Haor Management Plan and Saint Martin’s Island Conservation Plan. Many of these initiatives have been successfully implemented.

One of the most impactful projects I led was the Conservation Strategy Implementation, assigned to me after completing my master’s at Williams College in 1994. This project laid the foundation for declaring Ecologically Critical Areas (ECA), advancing conservation efforts in Tanguar Haor, and securing Ramsar Site recognition for Bangladesh’s wetlands. Also, I served on the Wetlands International Board, contributing to global conservation efforts.

4. You played a significant role in establishing the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund and Resilience Fund. Could you share how these funds have evolved and what you consider their most impactful contributions to climate resilience?

In 2009, after completing my PhD in Canada, I was assigned to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. I proposed mobilizing both national and international resources, leading to the establishment of two trust funds: Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (BCCTF) – Created under the Climate Change Trust Act in 2010 and funded by the government. I served as Project Director and Member Secretary, with the minister as chairperson. The government initially allocated BDT 1,400 crore, and the fund has since grown to BDT 500 billion; Bangladesh Climate Change Resilience Fund (BCCRF) – A donor-supported fund with the World Bank as trustee, collecting BDT 300 million.

In 2012, I took a leave to join the University of Manitoba. During this period, ৳600 crore placed in Padma Bank was lost due to mismanagement, raising concerns about financial oversight. Similarly, BCCRF faced governance failures, and without proper reporting, donors withdrew support, leading to its closure.

As Member Secretary, I resisted corruption attempts, which led to internal challenges. Upon my return, I found further mismanagement had occurred, making it difficult to secure new funding. Despite these setbacks, Bangladesh’s trust fund model was recognized internationally. In 2010, Argentina and Indonesia invited us to share insights on its implementation. While some funds were mismanaged, organizations like PKSF continue to utilize resources effectively for climate projects.

5. In addition to your government work, you have taught at the University of Manitoba, BRAC University, and North South University. What do you enjoy most about teaching? What impact has teaching played on your approach to environmental policy and social development?

Teaching has always been a passion for me, driven by a sense of responsibility toward society. Beyond university classrooms, I established a technical college in my village in 2003 to provide free education to underprivileged students, particularly those who could not afford schooling. The most inspiring aspect is that 90% of the students are female, giving them opportunities they would not otherwise have.

The college focuses on practical skills, including computer literacy, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and office training, ensuring students can secure employment. Despite facing skepticism from politicians at the time, I made it clear that my only intention was to educate and empower the community. The impact has been profound—many graduates now work in various sectors. One girl shared how she was forced into marriage after school, but because of this college, she was able to continue her education and build a future for herself.

I personally fund the institution, and every year, it ranks first in the Upazila. This remains one of my most meaningful contributions, reinforcing my belief that education is the foundation of both individual and societal progress.

6. With your vast experience in sustainable energy, pollution control, and natural resource management, what areas do you believe require the most urgent attention in Bangladesh and globally to address today’s environmental challenges?

The most urgent environmental challenges in Bangladesh and globally revolve around food security, health security, and energy transition. Climate change directly threatens agricultural production, which could have severe consequences for densely populated countries like Bangladesh. If extreme weather events disrupt food production, it will lead to widespread economic and social instability. Addressing this requires a shift towards climate-resilient agriculture, the use of adaptive crops, and continuous monitoring of production systems through predictive modeling.

Health security is another critical issue, yet Bangladesh lacks a comprehensive public health strategy to address climate-related risks. Heatwaves, pollution, and the emergence of new viruses pose serious threats, particularly in overcrowded urban areas. For example, spending just an hour outdoors in Dhaka can lead to health complications due to poor air quality. A well-structured public health policy must be developed to mitigate these risks, incorporating research on climate-induced diseases and proactive healthcare measures.

Energy transition is also a crucial concern. The long-term impact of fossil fuels on the environment is severe, yet shifting to renewable energy requires careful planning. A balanced approach is necessary to ensure sustainability while meeting growing energy demands. Addressing these challenges requires integrated solutions that consider agriculture, health, and energy together, allowing for policies that foster resilience and long-term sustainability.

7. As a former spokesperson for the Least Developed Countries at the UNFCCC, how do you view the role of developing nations in the global fight against climate change? What steps do you think need to be taken to enhance their resilience and effectiveness?

Bangladesh continues to be respected on the global stage due to its longstanding engagement in climate diplomacy. One key improvement that could enhance the country’s effectiveness is greater coordination between the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A joint team would allow the environment ministry to handle the technical aspects of climate negotiations while the foreign ministry manages diplomatic engagement, ensuring a stronger and more strategic presence in global discussions.

Developing nations cannot rely solely on highlighting their vulnerability; they must present well-supported data and evidence to advocate for their needs effectively. If Bangladesh can strengthen its data-driven approach, it could lead the Least Developed Countries (LDC) group, building on its past contributions. However, sustaining leadership in climate negotiations requires dedicated individuals willing to engage with media, policymakers, and international partners. When my tenure as spokesperson ended, there was hesitation in Bangladesh to take up the role again due to the demanding nature of the work. Encouraging and training new experts in climate diplomacy is essential to maintaining Bangladesh’s influence in global climate policy.

8. How do you think the current U.S. policies and movements will impact global climate efforts?

The U.S. has a significant global influence, and its policies will undoubtedly impact climate action worldwide. While the U.S. initially withdrew from the Paris Agreement, many leaders, including the European Union and Canada, continued to push forward with positive intentions. Additionally, some billionaires are stepping in to contribute to the cause. Even if the Trump administration didn’t rejoin the Paris Agreement, I believe the U.S. will still take action on climate issues, especially given the business interests tied to it.

9. How important is the role of climate-related startups, and what is needed to promote them?

There is a lack of awareness around the opportunities in climate-related startups. Many people don’t realize the potential of green businesses and the growing market, such as the carbon market. It’s essential for both the state and the younger generation to be better educated about these opportunities. We’re actively working to mobilize youth by visiting different regions like Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, and Sylhet, and hosting policy dialogues in Dhaka. We invite both seniors and young people, providing them with the resources they need to participate. However, we still need more funding to spread awareness in rural areas and empower people to engage with climate-related ventures.

10. Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for your work with NACOM and in the field of environmental conservation? Are there specific projects or areas of research you’re especially excited to pursue?

We have 25,000 households involved with us as beneficiaries, and the first step was conducting a skill assessment followed by tailored training. We established a common fund, where both we and the community contributed. This fund supported various small businesses, such as tailoring shops, hat businesses, and Nakshi Katha production for export to Europe. We avoided microcredit systems, as I felt it could create personal fear. Instead, we focused on the common fund approach.

In addition to supporting livelihoods, we provide health and hygiene support, including girls’ napkins, and have planted numerous trees, creating what we call an “ecological village.” We’re working to expand this initiative and are also focusing on engaging youth in pollution control and climate conservation.

My personal goal is to foster an educated and dedicated generation that actively engages to win the battle against environmental degradation and ensures a clean environment for healthy living for all. I want to see a prosperous and peaceful society with high global recognition.