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Star, HSBC announce climate award

Staff Correspondent
The Daily Star and HSBC yesterday jointly announced a national award titled "HSBC-The Daily Star Climate Awards" with an objective to encourage individuals and institutions working to face the challenges of climate change.
The awards will be given in four categories -- climate change adaptation, climate change mitigation, climate change research and knowledge management, and green business entrepreneurships.
The awards aim to create public awareness through recognition of work relating to adaptation, mitigation and research for climate change. The prize will be given after a vigorous selection process.
The announcement came at a press conference moderated by The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam. Sanjay Prakash, CEO of HSBC bank, delivered the opening speech, while Dr Hasan Mahmud, state minister of environment and forest, was present as the chief guest.
"Climate change is not a threat to Bangladesh any-more. It has already affected the country," said State Minister Hasan Mahmud.
"Bangladesh is not one of the most vulnerable countries. Bangladesh is the most vulnerable country which is already facing the challenges of climate change," Mahmud said in his speech at the press conference held at National Press Club.
Citing examples of coastal land fallen barren due to salinity, frequent tidal surge, cyclones and other natural calamities, the state minister said by 2050 around three crore people would be displaced due to climate change even if the country's population
does not increase and remains the same.
Emphasising corporate social responsibility to help face challenges of a country, Mahmud said, "Facing climate change challenges and preserving environment are not the work for a single party. It's the work for the country and the nation. Those who are willing to work in this field are welcome to work together with us."
Mahmud said the government is making every policy keeping the issue of climate change in a focal point and climate change wings have been set up under different ministries.
Replying to questions of journalists, the minister said the government would soon initiate a drive to recover forest occupied by bigwigs and bring an end to river encroachment.
CEO of HSBC Bangladesh Sanjay Prakash announced the categories during the briefing.
Prakash also described HSBC's initiatives to face the climate change challenges globally. He explained that HSBC wants to work maintaining a policy that ensures reduction in consumption, reuse of resources and recycling.
He also mentioned allocation of $100 million by HSBC to combat climate
change globally.
"Our effort is to honour, inspire and reward those who will play a significant role to face the impacts of climate change," said Mahfuz Anam.
"Our wish is to create public awareness and unite everyone to work together towards facing the challenges of climate change," he added.
Waste concern is the knowledge partner for the award.
Details about the programme and nominations are available at www.hsbc.com.bd and www.thedailystar.net.