On the occasion, a three-day environment fair began at city's Osmani Memorial Hall yesterday where four organisations received Environment Award 2007 for their outstanding contributions in the field of environment development.

Environment and Forest Adviser Dr CS Karim inaugurated the fair, organised by Ministry of Environment and Forests, and distributed the awards among Waste Concern, Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers' Association (Bela), Globeleq and Bara Dai Casto Ganga Jalmale Committee.

A total of 65 stalls have been installed at the second and third floors of Osmani Memorial Hall where different models of industrial waste water treatment plant, solar energy system and biomass gasifier stove for cooking application and environment-related books are displayed.

Adviser CS Karim said Bangladesh will be the most affected country due to green house effect because of its low lands.

"The issue of climate will have to be incorporated in our development policy. Otherwise our next generation will not get fresh air, water and a pollution-free environment," he said while addressing the programme as the chief guest.

Dr Khandakar Rashedul Haque, director general of Department of Environment, said Bangladesh along with other least developed countries are the main victims of climate change while the developed nations are the main contributors to the green house effect.

"This is the first time we have started the environment award and I hope it will encourage other organisations and environmentalists to come forward and try to contribute in developing the environment," he said while addressing the function.

A colourful procession was also brought out from National Museum at 7:30am that paraded different city streets before ending at National Press Club at 9:00am.

Our Correspondent in Chittagong adds: Different organisations chalked out elaborate programmes in the port city yesterday to mark the World Environment Day.

Department of Environment (DOE), Chittagong held a discussion titled 'Melting Ice -A Hot Topic' at Muslim Institute Hall.

Acting Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) Md Manjur Alam was the chief guest at the discussion with Director of DEO, Chittagong Md Mosharraf Hossain in the chair.

Professor Dr Jamal Nazrul Islam of Chittagong University (CU) attended the discussion as special guest.

Speakers at the meeting underscored the need of mass awareness programmes and effective international policy to control the world temperature.

DOE also brought out a colourful procession from Nazrul Square premises that paraded different city streets before halting at Muslim Institute Hall where they distributed different types of plants.

Meanwhile, Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) formed a human chain in front of Chittagong Press Club in participation of the activists of different non-government organisations. YPSA also held a discussion to observe the day.