BEN Launched
BEN is officially launched.
ICBEN-1 Initiative
BEN takes the initiative to hold the first International Conference on Bangladesh Environment (ICBEN-1). POROSH, BUET, and CEN join as main organizers, along with 50 other pro-environment organizations.
First Meeting
BEN holds its first meeting at Emory University, Atlanta, USA.
ICBEN-1 Success
ICBEN-1 is held and proves to be a huge success. Both Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Opposition Leader Begum Khaleda Zia join. The conference adopts the Dhaka Declaration 2000.
BAPA Launched
Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) is officially launched.
Community Projects
BEN launches a community-based action project on “Barrel Composting of Household Waste” in collaboration with IPD at Bhashantek slum and Open University campus.
Buriganga Bachao Andolon
BEN participates in the rally opposing Buriganga River encroachment. This gives rise to the Buriganga Bachao Andolon, the mother of all river saving movements in the country.
Publication
The volume Bangladesh Environment 2000 is published, containing papers and proceedings of ICBEN-1.
Expert Panels
BEN begins to form its Expert Panels.
Policy Victories
Resulting from BAPA and BEN efforts, the government introduces unleaded gasoline, removes two-stroke engines from major cities, and re-imposes the plastic bag ban.
ICBEN-2
The second International Conference (ICBEN-2) is held. BAPA starts forming district branches outside Dhaka.
River Linking Protest
BEN and BAPA campaign against the Indian River Linking Project (IRLP). BEN sends a memorandum to the Indian President opposing it.
Transboundary Rivers
ICRCTR conference held with experts from India and Nepal. Resolution adopted urging the Ecological Approach to rivers instead of the Commercial Approach.
BEN Energy Report
BEN Energy Panel prepares the BEN Energy Report, offering a pro-environment and pro-people energy strategy.
National River Conference
Conference adopts the BAPA-BEN Resolution on Rivers, advocating the Open Approach. The “Jatiyo Nodo Rakkhya Andolon” (National Movement to Save the Rivers) is formed.
National Energy Conference
Conference endorses the BEN Energy Report and adopts the BAPA-BEN Resolution on Energy.
Indigenous Peoples Conference
Special Conference on Indigenous People and Bangladesh Environment held. Largest gathering of indigenous leaders; adopted Resolution on Indigenous Peoples and Forests.
10th Anniversary
BEN celebrates 10 years of work with a special event in New York, attended by leaders from around the world.
Climate Change Strategy
Special Conference on Climate Change and Bangladesh Development Strategy held. Adopted resolution on “Climate Changes and the Tasks for Bangladesh.”
ICBEN-3
Third International Conference (ICBEN-3) held. Attended by PM Sheikh Hasina and Opposition Leader Begum Khaleda Zia. Adopted Dhaka Declaration 2010.
Urbanization Conference
Special conference on “Urbanization, Traffic Jam and Bangladesh Environment.” Adopted the Resolution on Urbanization.
UN Rally
Special rally in front of UN Headquarters in New York protesting the Indian River Linking Project. Memorandum sent to UN Secretary General.
Water Resources (WARSA-CC)
International Conference on Water Resources in South Asia: Conflict to Cooperation held. Resolution on sustainable and fair use of water resources adopted.
Organization Conference
Special conference on Environment Movement and Organization held to strengthen the movement across the country.
Climate March
BEN participated in the historic march for Climate Action held in New York City.
Policy Implementation
Special conference on Environment Acts and Policy Implementation Problems. Examined problems in implementing pro-environment laws.
Sustainable Development
Special Conference on Sustainable Development & Environment held at Krishibid Institution of Bangladesh (KIB), Dhaka.
20th Anniversary
20th Anniversary event held at Jackson Heights, NY. Provided an opportunity to look back on BEN’s works, successes, and challenges.
Delta Plan 2100
Special Conference on Delta Plan 2100 held in Dhaka. Initiated a spirited debate on the merits and demerits of the government’s plan.
Political Effectiveness
Conference on “Political Effectiveness of the Environment Movement in Bangladesh (PEEM)” held at Stamford University, Dhaka.
ICBEN-4
4th International Conference (ICBEN-4) held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Annual Conference 2022
Theme: “Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Development.” Held in hybrid mode from Stamford University Bangladesh.
Rally & Haor Conference
Environment rally held at Central Shaheed Minar (Jan 13). Special Conference on Haors, Rivers, and Beels held at Dhaka University (Jan 14).
