BEN Celebrates 28 Years of Advocacy for a Sustainable and Greener Future
Under the theme “Environment is Life: A Clean Environment for a Beautiful Future,” the Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN) celebrated its 28th anniversary in New York with a call to build a sustainable, green, and safe planet for present and future generations.
As part of the celebration, BEN presented a special Lifetime Honor Award to its founder and one of the pioneers of the environmental movement in Bangladesh, Dr. Nazrul Islam, in recognition of his decades-long research, leadership, and extraordinary contribution to environmental conservation, public awareness, and sustainable environmental advocacy.
The event was held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Jewish Center in Jackson Heights, New York. Organized by BEN’s New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut chapters, the program brought together environmentalists, academics, cultural personalities, journalists, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.
Honoring Dr. Nazrul Islam’s lifelong dedication, the organizers highlighted his role in transforming environmental awareness in Bangladesh into a powerful social movement. A special documentary video was presented at the event, showcasing his journey in environmental advocacy, his contributions to conservation efforts, and the vision behind establishing BEN.
Following the presentation, BEN leaders formally handed over the Lifetime Honor Award to Dr. Nazrul Islam.
Expressing his gratitude after receiving the award, Dr. Nazrul Islam said, “People often say that recognition does not always come from those close to you, but from those far away. Today’s event has proven that idea wrong. The love and respect shown by people close to me today is truly overwhelming.” He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to BEN members, supporters, and everyone who attended the celebration.
The program was moderated by BEN Global Coordinator Dr. Md. Khalequzzaman. Renowned economist and social thinker Dr. Rehman Sobhan delivered the keynote remarks virtually, while prominent sociologist Dr. Rounaq Jahan also addressed the gathering online.
Speakers emphasized that environmental protection is no longer an issue limited to a particular country or region; rather, it has become a global challenge directly connected to the survival and future of humanity. They called for collective action to address climate change, air pollution, destruction of rivers and wetlands, deforestation, and the responsible use of natural resources.
Speakers noted that Dr. Nazrul Islam has never viewed the environment merely as an academic subject. Instead, he has established it as a vital movement connected to human life, society, and the future of civilization. Under his leadership, BEN has played an important role in promoting environmental awareness both in Bangladesh and among the global diaspora.
Among those who spoke at the event were Dr. Saleh Tanvir, Dr. Dipen Bhattacharya, Hafizul Haque, event convener Rana Ferdous Chowdhury, writer Razia Nazmi, former editor of Weekly Thikana M. Fazlur Rahman, Professor Husne Ara, BEN Canada Chapter Coordinator Titu Khandaker, freedom fighter Khorhedul Islam, Progressive Forum General Secretary Zakir Hossain Bacchu, Ranu Ferdous, Udichi Shilpi Goshthi USA General Secretary Kallol Dash, Assistant General Secretary Hiro Chowdhury, cultural personality Minhaj Ahmed Shammu, journalist Hasan Ferdous, event member secretary Ifzal Chowdhury, Abul Kashem Delwar, and artist M. D. Tokon.
Speakers further stressed that a healthy and beautiful life is impossible without a clean environment. Protecting nature is not only the responsibility of governments or organizations; it is a responsibility shared by every individual. They urged everyone to take meaningful steps to leave behind a greener and safer planet for future generations.
The cultural segment of the program was hosted by Urbi Sabina Hai and featured performances by theater artist Shirin Bokul and recitation artist Munmun Saha. Young New York-based performers Alvan and Liana also presented engaging performances.
Music was performed by artists from the popular New York cultural organization Matir Gaan, including Md. Shaheen Hossain, Christella Kuya, Khaleda Parveen, Tuli Biswas, Mahua Bhattacharya, and Molly Desa. Renowned tabla artist Debu Chowdhury accompanied the performances on tabla, with support from Shafik Mia on dhol, Robiul Islam on keyboard, Minhaj Ahmed Shammu on octapad, and Suman on percussion.
At the conclusion of the event, BEN Global Coordinator Dr. Md. Khalequzzaman, Convener Rana Ferdous Chowdhury, and Member Secretary Ifzal Chowdhury expressed gratitude to all guests, supporters, well-wishers, and members of the media for their cooperation.
The organizers also expressed appreciation to financial supporters, including Saleh Tanvir, Ziauddin Ahmed, Rahat Hossain (Manju), Ahad Chowdhury, Golam Kabir, Dr. Md. Asaduzzaman, Titu Khandaker, Nosrat Shah, Ranu Ferdous, Hasan Ferdous, Aminul Haque Chunnu, Hafizul Haque, Zakir Hossain Bacchu, Dr. Dipen Bhattacharya, Razia Nazmi, Hiro Chowdhury, Minhaj Ahmed Shammu, Faruk Zaman, and others.
Special appreciation was extended to media partners, including Thikana, Bangalee, Bangla Patrika, Bangladesh Pratidin, Prothom Alo, Pragya News, ATN Bangla News USA Correspondent Kanu Dutta, TBN24, and other New York-based media outlets.
Certificates were presented to participants of the children and youth art competition organized as part of the anniversary celebration. Renowned artist M. D. Tokon was present during the award distribution.
With a renewed commitment to environmental protection, a vision for a cleaner planet, and recognition of Dr. Nazrul Islam’s lifelong dedication to environmental advocacy, BEN’s 28th anniversary celebration became a memorable and historic gathering in New York.
