The Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) recently hosted a two-day event, ‘MIST Environment Fest 2025,’ from June 28 to 29 to commemorate World Environment Day, focusing on this year’s theme: “Beat Plastic Pollution.” Organized by the Department of Environmental, Water Resources, and Coastal Engineering, the event aimed to raise awareness and promote sustainable solutions to combat the growing plastic crisis.
Engineering students from institutions across Bangladesh participated in four competitive segments—Poster Presentation, GIS Case Competition, Environmental Article Writing, and the Buzzer Blitz Contest—showcasing creative and practical ideas to tackle environmental challenges.
Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, attended as the chief guest. In his remarks, he emphasized the critical need for immediate and collective efforts to curb plastic pollution and preserve the environment for future generations.
MIST Commandant, Major General Md Nasim Parvez, underscored the role of public awareness and the urgent need for alternatives to plastic to address the worsening global climate crisis.
Dr. Md Mafizur Rahman of BUET delivered the keynote speech, highlighting global strategies to fight plastic pollution. He elaborated on emerging technologies, corporate commitments, and policy interventions driving sustainability efforts worldwide.
The festival also featured technical sessions that addressed pressing issues such as Bangladesh’s sanitation crisis, presented by Dr. Abdullah Al-Muyeed from the Department of Public Health Engineering, and the importance of youth leadership in the face of climate uncertainty, discussed by Nayoka Martinez Bäckström from the Embassy of Sweden.
The event concluded with a call for continued collaboration among youth, academia, policymakers, and industry leaders to create a greener, plastic-free future.
