To mark World Environment Day 2025, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has issued an official directive to all educational institutions under its authority to implement five specific programs aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. Though World Environment Day is globally observed on June 5, this year it coincided with the Eid-ul-Adha holidays, urging the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change to reschedule the observance to June 25. The Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh is set to officially inaugurate the national observance on that day.
The directive, issued on Wednesday, June 18 by the Physical Education Department of DSHE, was sent to all District Education Officers and relevant stakeholders across the country. It outlines a comprehensive plan for schools and colleges to engage students and staff in meaningful environmental action and education.
The five mandatory programs listed in the directive are:
- Campus Cleanliness Drive: Institutions are required to organize cleaning activities involving students and staff. These will include cleaning classrooms, corridors, and the surrounding areas of the campus, fostering a sense of responsibility and hygiene among students.
- Tree Plantation and Care: In line with the goal of creating green and sustainable campuses, educational institutions must conduct tree-planting activities and ensure ongoing care and maintenance of the planted trees. This program not only contributes to improving local ecosystems but also encourages students to develop a lifelong bond with nature.
- Awareness on Plastic and Polythene Reduction: Institutions must raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic and polythene use. Students will be encouraged to minimize their use and adopt eco-friendly alternatives. Activities may include poster-making, awareness campaigns, and discussions on reducing plastic consumption to help build a clean and green Bangladesh.
- Seminar on Eco-Friendly Practices: A seminar will be organized to educate students about the importance of avoiding single-use plastics and adopting sustainable, environmentally friendly products. These sessions will emphasize responsible consumption and promote a culture of sustainability among the youth.
- Debate Competition on Environmental Responsibility: Schools and colleges will hold debate competitions focusing on students’ roles in building a livable and environmentally sound Bangladesh. The objective is to stimulate critical thinking and active engagement with environmental issues.
These programs aim to engage students actively in environmental protection and help cultivate values that support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, responsible consumption, and life on land. By incorporating these activities into school routines, the DSHE hopes to inspire a generation of environmentally conscious citizens who will play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future for Bangladesh.
Through this initiative, the government underscores the importance of grassroots involvement in environmental conservation and positions educational institutions as key agents of change in the national journey toward a greener and more sustainable future.
