Protecting environment vital for survival of all: Farida Akhtar
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar has said that protecting the environment is as crucial as protecting the country, as both are essential for the survival of humankind.
"July martyr Shahriar Khan Anas has shown us the path of a new struggle. By following that path, we will not only protect the country — we will also have to protect the environment, and even the entire human race," she said while addressing the unveiling and prayer ceremony of a plaque dedicated to Shahriar Khan Anas at Gendaria Adarsha Academy in Dhaka on Saturday morning.
Farida Akhtar said discussions have already been held with the education adviser and other concerned officials about including the letter written by Anas in school textbooks. "Anas' letter is a unique example of foresight. His every effort was for people to know the values he upheld and the work he accomplished. He has made us proud at the cost of his life," she added.
Referring to recent debates over the presence of music teachers in schools, she said, "Many people say schools cannot have music teachers or allow singing. But the patriotic songs and the heartfelt performance about mothers we witnessed today prove how important music practice is for every school." She also encouraged students to memorise and recite Anas' letter at various school events.
Highlighting the importance of climate protection, the adviser said, "The World Climate Conference COP30 will be held in Brazil to address climate change. However, the impact of climate change is already disrupting our natural systems. Seasonal rain is vital for fish breeding — if it does not rain in Ashadh, Hilsa cannot lay eggs in Ashwin. Maintaining climate balance is therefore crucial for us."
She warned that climate change is causing oxygen depletion in rivers and seas and increasing salinity, leading to dead fish floating in the water — signs of an environmental disaster. Addressing students, she said, "As the future generation, you must not do anything that harms the environment."
Farida Akhtar also urged people to reduce plastic use. "Plastic in the sea and pollution in the Meghna River are now everyday realities. Studies have found microplastics in Hilsa, which eventually enter our bodies through food. We must consciously reduce the use of plastic," she said.
The event was chaired by Gendaria Adarsha Academy President Dr Muhammad Abdul Mannan. Among others, July Shaheed Smriti Foundation CEO Lt Col (retd) Kamal Akbar, Rahnuma Trust member Arif Sultan Mahmud, and Shahriar Khan Anas' father Sahria Khan Palash spoke as special guests.
Dhaka Divisional Forest Officer Mahmuda Roxena Sultana, Academy Guardian Representative Jewel Ahmed, teachers, and students were also present. Earlier, Adviser Farida Akhtar formally unveiled the plaque of Shaheed Shahriar Khan Anas at the academy premises.