By Rita Bhowmick (Dhaka Bureau)
At the epicenter of the global climate crisis, a new kind of economic and environmental model is taking root in Bangladesh- one that is not only eco-friendly but deeply human and gender-responsive. Recognizing outstanding contributions to the fight against climate change and a just, feminist green transition, the ‘Feminist Green Action Award 2026’ was presented in Bangladesh for the second consecutive year.
On the evening of June 24, 2026, the international development organization ActionAid Bangladesh honoured three organizations and two grassroots entrepreneurs for their eco-friendly and inclusive business practices during a gala event in the capital, Dhaka.
A photo session of the organizing authorities with officials from the award-winning organizations at the event. Photo: Collected.
Grassroots Innovation: When the Marginalized Lead the Way
The most striking feature of this year’s awards was the recognition of two extraordinary grassroots, human-centered innovations. Operating without large corporate funding, driven solely by willpower and a sense of human responsibility, these two individuals demonstrated how society can be transformed from the bottom up:
• Sharmin Akhter (Bogura): By producing ropes from discarded fabric and leftover yarn, she is not only managing waste but has created sustainable employment for over 200 marginalized people, mostly women and persons with disabilities.
• Soleman Ali, ‘Solar Man’ (Thakurgaon): To save farmers amid the ongoing fuel and power crisis, he developed a low-cost ‘mobile solar irrigation pump’. His eco-friendly, cost-effective model has brought revolutionary relief to local agriculture.
Additionally, in the Youth-led Green Entrepreneurship category, ‘Swaccha’ was awarded for its eco-friendly waste management initiatives, and ‘World Linkup’ was recognized for engaging youth in climate awareness. In the SME category, ‘Classical Handmade Products BD Ltd’ received the award for contributing to a sustainable economy by manufacturing international-standard eco-friendly handicrafts using local raw materials.
‘We Cannot Be Arrogant Like Oil, We Must Be Like Water’
Welcoming this transition, Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, stated that this initiative is part of a continuous struggle to build a sustainable, inclusive, and greener world. However, linking sustainable transition with human culture, she simultaneously expressed deep concern over the growing social tolerance for violence against women and children and the erosion of the rule of law- highlighting the urgent need for a shift in human mindset.
A major highlight of the event was the speech by eminent Ekushey Padak-winning actor and social activist Afzal Hossain. Drawing a unique parallel between the nurturing nature of the earth and women’s protective roles, he said: ‘To merely stay alive is not the main point; how we live is what truly matters. In this climate fight, we cannot just think of surviving alone. Life is not like oil that proudly floats on water. We must be like water, whose glory lies in holding and keeping others afloat.’
Echoing similar sentiments, prominent corporate lawyer and business leader Barrister Nihad Kabir emphasized human values over legislation. She noted that having extensive laws on sustainable development and corporate governance on paper will not change society unless there is a transformation in human thoughts and values. True sensitivity begins at home, she argued, adding that to engage the youth in the environmental fight, inspiring them through stories and informal conversations is far more effective than strict legal enforcement.
Pressenza’s Perspective:
Climate change is not merely a scientific or technological problem; it is fundamentally an issue of social and economic justice. This initiative by ActionAid Bangladesh proves that a true ‘green transition’ is only possible when it is gender-responsive and rooted in human rights. These grassroots heroes of Bangladesh are showing the world how empathy for people and responsibility towards nature can be woven together to build a sustainable and non-violent economic model.
The evening concluded with a beautiful cultural performance by singer and cultural activist Warda Ashraf, featuring songs on climate change, women’s rights, and collective struggle- leaving the audience with a renewed dream of a beautiful, egalitarian world.
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The Writer:
Rita Bhowmick: Senior Journalist, Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
