BRAC Bank, Tarupallab recognise six environmental changemakers
The Dwijen Sharma Poribesh Padak 2025 honoured six individuals and organisations for exceptional contributions to biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and marine research—ranging from preserving 1,800 plant species and planting 30,000 trees to advancing environmental awareness.
BRAC Bank and Tarupallab jointly presented the awards at a ceremony at Bangla Academy in Dhaka on 10 July, according to a press release.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo attended as the chief guest, while Nazma Mobarek, secretary of the Financial Institutions Division under the Ministry of Finance, was the special guest.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Named after the late Professor Dwijen Sharma, a noted Bangladeshi botanist and naturalist, the award recognises contributions to biodiversity conservation, environmental research, afforestation and ecological awareness.
Professor Dr Md Ashrafuzzaman received the Nature Award for conserving rare and endangered plants, preserving nearly 1,800 plant species, and advancing biodiversity research through more than 120 publications.
Pran Boichitro Khamar received the Biodiversity Award for promoting natural farming, conserving indigenous seeds and agricultural heritage, and developing a model that integrates sustainable agriculture with agri-tourism.
Md Badsa Mia received the Friend of Trees Award for planting more than 30,000 fruit, timber, and medicinal trees over two decades and for mobilising community-level afforestation across villages in Rangpur.
Umma Kulsum Popi received the Social Influencer Award for leveraging digital platforms to promote sustainable agriculture, rooftop gardening, safe food production, and environmental awareness. She was also recognised as Bangladesh's first female agro-influencer, whose content has reached millions.
Mosammat Sumaiya Mariam received the Young Naturalist Award for employing science and digital technology in biodiversity conservation, notably contributing to the Tree Census 2025 project.
Professor Dr Kazi Ahsan Habib received the Environmental Research Award for his work on marine biodiversity conservation, coral reefs, and the advancement of Bangladesh's blue economy. His research increased the number of documented marine fish species in the country from 475 to 740.
"Protecting nature is no longer a choice; it is a national responsibility. The awardees have shown how individual commitment can create lasting environmental impact and inspire society," said Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo.
Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek said sustainable development requires collaboration among the government, financial institutions, and citizens, adding that local environmental initiatives can drive national progress.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BRAC Bank Tareq Refat Ullah Khan said responsible banking involves creating value for people, society, and the planet.
"By honouring these changemakers, we reaffirm our commitment to a greener, more sustainable Bangladesh," he said.
General Secretary of Tarupallab Mokarram Hossain said the award serves both as recognition of achievement and as a platform to encourage more people to protect Bangladesh's natural heritage.
Introduced in 2025, the BRAC Bank–Tarupallab Dwijen Sharma Poribesh Padak recognises individuals and organisations for their work in environmental stewardship. In its inaugural year, the award honoured four recipients.
