Economic growth must be environmentally sound

Dr Atiq Rahman, executive director, Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies, speaks at a discussion organised by Citibank NA Bangladesh at its Gulshan office in the city yesterday on the occasion of 'Citi Earth Week 2010'. The discussion session focused on environmental awareness and how business units innovate green solutions. Photo: Star

Economic growth must be environmentally sound for the sake of survival of human race, speakers at a discussion said yesterday and warned against further manipulation of nature.
The climate change is also a threat to the sovereignty of a country, they said.
The Citibank NA Bangladesh organised the discussion at its Gulshan office in the city on the occasion of 'Citi Earth Week 2010'. This is a global initiative at Citi to promote environmental awareness among the employees.
Dr Atiq Rahman, executive director of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS), and Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, were present as guest speakers.
The Citibank is observing the Earth Week from April 19 to 23 in 105 countries with commitment towards a sustainable future.
Dr Atiq Rahman said the climate change has already posed a threat to food security, health security, livelihood security and energy security in the country.
"We can face the climate change challenges with the help of technology and we might play a leading role if we can work in a proper way with accountability. This could be an opportunity for us," he said.
"So, we have to go for climate-smart development," he added.
Delivering the welcome speech, Mamun Rashid, Citi country officer -Bangladesh, said that the Citibank does not finance any projects that pollute the environment.
"We do not provide finance to ship breaking yards and tannery industries as part of our commitment towards the clean environment and sustainable development," he said.
Mahfuz Anam said that the human race, despite being a part of nature, is manipulating the environment since the beginning of the civilisation.
It is time to change the attitude towards nature and not to manipulate it anymore, he added.