Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan reaffirmed the government's commitment to combat air pollution with targeted actions to reduce its impact on public health.
She highlighted measures such as controlling road dust and reducing waste burning as immediate steps to mitigate the effects of air pollution. However, she noted that long-term solutions, including fuel standardization and refinery modernization, require substantial investment and time.
Speaking at the seminar titled “Air Quality Research and Environmental Policy Discussion” at Dhaka University’s Science Faculty, organized by the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh, Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Sunday discussed both ongoing and future efforts to tackle air pollution.
She emphasized the significance of the issue, stating that the recent Cabinet discussion on air pollution marks the first time such a topic has been addressed at the national level, underscoring its growing importance.
The Advisor also called for changes in public behavior, encouraging the use of masks and proper waste disposal practices. She acknowledged the multiple sources of pollution, including road dust, waste burning, and old vehicles. In response, she outlined a plan to cover Dhaka's uncovered road dividers with grass during the monsoon season and announced the formation of a task force to address specific challenges, such as repairing damaged roads to reduce dust pollution.
The seminar also explored the Bangladesh National Air Quality Management Plan, focusing on implementing effective solutions to enhance air quality across the country.
The seminar brought together key figures, including Prof. Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dhaka University, and Amy Cass, Economic Officer at the U.S. Embassy Dhaka.
Presentations by global experts, such as Prof. Dr. James J. Schauer from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Prof. Dr. Benjamin de Foy from Saint Louis University, and Prof. Dr. Jill Baumgartner from McGill University, offered valuable insights into air quality management and strategies to address urban and industrial air pollution.
Research findings presented by Dr. Zahidul Quayyum (BRAC University), Dr. Ahmed Kamruzzaman Mazumder (Stamford University), Samiha Nahian (Dhaka University), Shahid Uz Zaman (BUET), and Dr. Ziaul Haque (Department of Environment) provided a comprehensive analysis of air quality trends in Bangladesh and suggested practical recommendations for improvement.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
