Earth Policy Dialogue

Bangladesh’s climate and environmental governance are shaped by complex political economy and political ecology dynamics, where power, access, and resource interests often undermine transparency, accountability, and participation. Weak institutional coordination and elite capture constrain effective and inclusive policy implementation. The Earth Policy Dialogue (EPD) will explore how governance reform grounded in openness, civic engagement, and ecological justice can strengthen environmental protection and foster trust among citizens, policymakers, and political actors.

The dialogue also will seek to explore how genuine environmental protection in Bangladesh remains unattainable without sustained political commitment. Despite growing ecological challenges, the discourse on well-being beyond GDP continues to be absent from party priorities and political commitments. The Dialogue therefore aims to bring together academics, policymakers, and political leaders to address this gap and examine how climate and ecological issues can secure stronger political and institutional attention.

Discussions will focus on the political economy and political ecology of Bangladesh’s triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, alongside the science–policy interface, to identify where urgent and transformative action is needed. Three of Bangladesh’s leading experts will share their analytical insights, while representatives from major political parties will present their environmental visions, commitments, and manifesto priorities.

By fostering dialogue among experts, student leaders, and political representatives, the Department of Public Administration, University of Dhaka in partnership with the Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiative (BYEI) and BRIDGE – Bay of Bengal Research Institute for Democratic Governance, Economy and Environment, aims to advance accountability, evidence-informed policymaking, and a “beyond GDP” development narrative – one that prioritizes the well-being of both people and the planet. Ultimately, the Dialogue aspires to strengthen Bangladesh’s planetary stewardship and chart a course toward a more just, fair, equitable, and sustainable future for Bangladesh.

• Dr. Ahsan U. Ahmed, Former Member, Independent Technical Advisory Board, Green Climate Fund (GCF), UNFCCC; Executive Director, Center for Global Change
• Prof. Mushtaq Khan, SOAS University of London or Prof. M. Anwar Hossain, Member, University Grants Commission; & Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Dhaka
• Prof. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka; and Chairperson, Unnayan Onneshan
• Mr. Shamir Shehab, Curator, Bay of Bengal Research Institute for Democratic Governance, Economy and Environment (BRIDGE) and Adjunct Faculty Member, North South University

• Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP): Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Member, Standing Committee
• Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami: Barrister Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, Assistant Secretary General
• Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party): Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, General Secretary
• National Citizen Party (NCP): Dr. Tasnim Jara, Senior Joint Secretary
• Gonosamhati Andolon: Mr. Zonayed Saki, Chief Coordinator, Central Committee
• Bangladesh Rashtro Shongskar Andolon: Mr. Hasnat Quaiyum, President
• Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU): Mr. Shadik Kayem, Vice President

• Chief Guest: Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Dhaka
• Chair: Prof. Syeda Lasna Kabir, Chairman, Department of Public Administration, University of Dhaka
• Remarks: Prof. Adila Reza Hasan, Dhaka University Public Administration Earth Club
• Moderator: Prof. Shehreen Amin Bhuiyan, Department of Public Administration, University of Dhaka

• Department of Public Administration, University of Dhaka
• Dhaka University Public Administration Earth Club (DUPAEC) 
• The Bay of Bengal Research Institute for Democratic Governance, Economy and Environment (BRIDGE)