The 28th anniversary celebration of the Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN) was held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Jewish Center in Jackson Heights, New York. Organized jointly by BEN’s New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut chapters, the event brought together environmentalists, academics, cultural figures, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora. One of the evening’s most significant moments came when BEN’s founder, internationally renowned economist and author Dr. Nazrul Islam, received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades of work promoting environmental conservation and public awareness in Bangladesh.
Another major moment was the launch of the commemorative book, Dr. Nazrul Islam – An Environmental Pioneer. Edited by acclaimed short story writer Raziya Nazmi, with Dr. Dipen Bhattacharya as advisory editor, the volume brings together essays, reflections, evaluations, and personal memoirs by 24 prominent writers. Together, these contributions trace Dr. Islam’s intellectual journey and his role in turning environmental concerns into a broader social movement. The book also offers a glimpse into the ideas and leadership that shaped BEN over nearly three decades.
The audience was then shown a documentary chronicling BEN’s history and Dr. Islam’s long involvement in environmental activism. It was warmly received.
Dr. Nazrul Islam appeared deeply moved while accepting the award. In his remarks, he reflected on the common belief that people are rarely honored by those closest to them and that recognition often comes from distant circles. The evening, he said, challenged that assumption. Receiving such affection and appreciation from his own colleagues and community was, in his words, among the greatest achievements of his life.
The global climate crisis remained at the heart of the discussion. Speaking virtually as the chief guest, eminent economist and social thinker Dr. Rehman Sobhan stressed the need for immediate and effective action on climate change, air pollution, deforestation, and the sustainable management of natural resources. Without such action, he warned, future generations could face a severe existential crisis. Environmental protection, he emphasized, can no longer be treated as the responsibility of individual countries or institutions. It is a shared global obligation.
Special guest Dr. Rounaq Jahan, a distinguished sociologist, highlighted another dimension of Dr. Islam’s contribution. Rather than treating the environment as an isolated field of academic study, she noted, he helped establish it as a social movement closely connected with human life and the future of society.
BEN Global Coordinator Dr. Md. Khalequzzaman offered one of the event’s most striking comparisons. He likened environmental activists to the heroes of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. Those who fought for the country’s freedom in 1971 are remembered as its greatest children, he said, while those who continue to struggle for environmental protection at home and abroad can be regarded as freedom fighters for the environment. BEN itself has come a long way since its activities began in the United States 28 years ago. Its network now extends to Bangladesh, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Australia.
The discussion also featured contributions from community leaders and other prominent figures, including Convener Rana Ferdous Chowdhury, Member Secretary Ifjal Chowdhury, Dr. Saleh Tanveer, and journalist M. Fazlur Rahman. Their remarks returned repeatedly to the central message of the celebration: “Environment is life, pure environment and beautiful life.” Protecting a green and safe planet, the speakers stressed, is not solely the responsibility of governments. It is a responsibility shared by every citizen.
The setting itself reinforced that message. Environmental posters, placards, and artworks created by children during an earlier art competition decorated the entrance, giving the venue a distinctly environmental character and connecting the celebration with the participation of younger generations.
The evening ended on a cultural note. Hosted by Sabina Hai Urbi, the program featured performances by theater artist Shirin Bakul, elocutionist Munmun Saha, and emerging artists Alvan and Liana. Dr. Sabita Das of Banhishikha Sangeet Niketan and the New York-based group Matir Gaan led the musical segment, joined by accomplished instrumentalists including tabla player Debu Chowdhury. The performances, many of which reflected themes of nature and the environment, gave the anniversary celebration an emotional and festive close.
Memories of the 28th Anniversary can be found here.
