JAAGO Foundation Celebrates World Environment Day

A cycle rally was organised to promote environment friendly transport.

Volunteer for Bangladesh, the volunteer platform of JAAGO Foundation along with Coca Cola Bangladesh, Islamic Relief Bangladesh  and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has celebrated World Environment Day-2013 under the slogan: 'Respect Environment, Respect Human Rights'. A cycle rally was organised on June 7 to promote environmentally friendly transport. The  main goals of celebrating World Environment Day-2013 is to make youth aware about using environmentally friendly transport alternatives in order to achieve Green Economy solution for our country. Around 300 cyclists have attended the rally. The cycle rally started from Manik Mia Avenue and finished at Gulshan Ladies Park. A closing ceremony is held in Gulshan Ladies Park at 12.00 pm right after finishing the cycle rally where all the volunteers are given certificates.

Shabel Firuz, Country Director, Islamic Relief Foundation said, “One of the missions of Islamic Relief, Bangladesh is to promote integrated development and environmental custodianship by mobilising resources, building partnership and developing capacity of local stakeholders. Today, on World Environment Day, we are very happy to take our initiatives further and move towards accomplishing our mission in partnership with JAAGO Foundation. Exemplifying our values, we call on all to respect environment and human rights in order to leave a healthy environment for the next generation.”

Selina Hossain, Honorary Member, National Human Rights Commission Bangladesh said, “Just living is not enough. One must have full right on environment, freedom and social justice. Climate change is the violation of Human Rights. Rights should not be ignored. United efforts should be offered from all corners to protect human rights from hazardous environmental issues”.

The cycle rally started from Manik Mia Avenue and finished at Gulshan Ladies Park. Photo: JAAGO foundation

Korvi Rakshand, Founder of JAAGO Foundation and President, Volunteer for Bangladesh said, “Within a decade, climate change might become the single most important issue to dominate our future. Before the environmental hazards begin to pose severe threat to our basic needs and human rights, we must take action. And it must be the youth, the future leaders who must understand this. This event was a humble endeavour to engage the youth to take responsibility of their future! We are really thankful and appreciative to NHRC, Coca Cola and Islamic Relief who supported us and to all volunteers and our media partners who worked so hard to make the event successful.”

On June 5, to celebrate World Environment Day-13, VBD planted 1013 seedlings in selected 100 education institution of 12 districts of the country and 1000 seedlings were sent to reputed corporate companies. Moreover, Volunteer for Bangladesh (VBD) has distributed World Environment day’s flyers, door hangers and bookmarks to general people, educational institute and to the corporate companies in an attempt to create awareness. This event is supported by Coca Cola Bangladesh, Islamic Relief Bangladesh and National Human  Rights Commission (NHRC). Our media partners for the event are Independent TV; Radio Shadhin 92.4 fm, Dhaka Tribune and Dainik Samakal.