The prime minister addressed the issue during the opening ceremony of 'World Environment Day and Environment Fair 2017 and National Tree Planting Project and Tree Planting Day 2017' at the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre. She emphasized the importance of protecting the Sundarbans while implementing development projects. Despite protests from environmentalists and leftist groups, the government assured that the coal-based power plant in Rampal, near the Sundarbans, would not cause harm. The Sundarbans was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 during the tenure of an Awami League government led by Hasina. "We have been consistently safeguarding the Sundarbans," Hasina stated. She emphasized that Bangladesh owes its protection to the Sundarbans. The government is working on expanding the mangrove forest using artificial methods. Hasina mentioned that under the Awami League government, the forest area in Bangladesh has increased by 17 percent with a target of 25 percent. She also mentioned that the government has achieved a balance between environmental conservation and socially responsible forestry practices. She suggested the implementation of 'smart patrolling' to safeguard the area and emphasized the importance of creating a 'green seawall' to protect against natural disasters. Additionally, steps are being taken to provide alternative employment for those living in the Sundarbans region. The prime minister also mentioned the establishment of a trust fund to combat climate change, with Tk 31 billion allocated so far. However, she expressed disappointment that many developing countries had not contributed to the fund. She mentioned that despite receiving numerous promises, only a small amount of financial aid was provided. However, they made good use of what they did receive. The prime minister stated that Bangladesh has demonstrated self-reliance and is being acknowledged for it.