Sheikh Rokon honoured for his endeavour to saving rivers

River researcher, organiser and writer Sheikh Rokon received the 'Pallima Green Gold Medal-2025' in recognition of his long-standing work in river and environmental conservation. 

He is the founder and secretary general of the citizen organisation Riverine People, which is concerned with river protection; and the Associate Editor of the Daily Samakal.

He was given the honour at a programme organised at the Pallima Sangsad Conference Hall in Khilgaon on the occasion of World Environment Day on May 24. 

State Minister for Road Transport and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib awarded him with the gold medal as the chief guest of the programme.

Pallima Green Chairman Awal Kamruzzaman Farid presided over the programme, with Mustafiz Shafi, Editor of Dainik Deshrupantor, as the special guest. 

Dr. Mubarak Ahmed Khan, inventor of the biodegradable polythene 'Sonali Bag' made from jute and Pallima Green awardee in 2018; Md. Hafizur Rahman Moyna, founding president of Pallima Sangsad; Anisur Rahman Liton, president of Pallima Sangsad; Abu Haider, general secretary of Pallima Sangsad; Kazi Ismail Kimu, general secretary of Pallima Green, spoke on the occasion.

In his speech as the chief guest, Habibur Rashid Habib said rivers are the life of Bangladesh. If the rivers survive, Bangladesh will survive. The current government has taken a national programme to restore rivers and canals. If social organisations like Pallima Sangsad and Pallima Green and researchers like Sheikh Rokon come forward, the protection of the country's rivers, canals and environment will be easier.

In his speech as the special guest, Mustafiz Shafi said the relationship between rivers and the history, culture and public life of Bangladesh is inseparable. Therefore, protecting rivers should be seen as a civic responsibility. Everyone should come forward to build an environmentally friendly society. He also emphasised the importance of ensuring a safe environment for children.

After receiving the award, Sheikh Rokon said that the country's rivers are under threat in various ways today. Many rivers are disappearing due to unplanned development, encroachment and pollution. If the rivers are not protected, both the environment and human life will be in crisis. At the same time, he expressed his determination to continue working to protect the rivers in the future.

Awal Kamruzzaman Farid said that Pallima Green has been honouring those since 2015 who do not want to come under the spotlight. If the unsung and relentless people are not encouraged, the progress and growth of society and the environment will stop.

In this programme organised with the aim of increasing environmental awareness, prizes were also distributed among the winners of the drawing competition with the participation of children and adolescents. The importance of protecting rivers, nature and a safe environment was highlighted in the speeches of the speakers throughout the programme.