Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, has emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing air pollution through specific measures.
The government is taking steps such as controlling road dust and waste burning to reduce public suffering from air pollution, she said. However, implementing long-term solutions like standardizing fuel and modernizing refineries requires significant investment and time.
Speaking at a seminar titled “Air Quality Research and Environmental Policy Discussion” held at the Science Faculty of Dhaka University and organized by the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh, she outlined ongoing efforts and future plans to mitigate air pollution in the country.
Highlighting the gravity of air pollution in Bangladesh, she remarked, This is the first time in the country’s history that the Cabinet has discussed air pollution, signifying the importance we’ve attached to this issue.
The Advisor called for behavioral changes, including the use of masks and responsible waste disposal, while acknowledging multiple contributors to air pollution, such as road dust, waste burning, and outdated vehicles. She announced plans to cover Dhaka’s uncovered road dividers with grass during the monsoon and mentioned the formation of a task force and action groups to address specific challenges, such as repairing broken roads to prevent dust pollution.
The seminar was attended by prominent figures, including Prof. Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration) 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.
Keynote presentations by global experts—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 innovative approaches to tackle 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 an in-depth analysis of air quality trends in Bangladesh and proposed actionable recommendations.
The event also explored the Bangladesh National Air Quality Management Plan, focusing on implementing effective solutions to improve air quality across the nation.