DHAKA, Nov. 1 — Formulating evidence-based policies and fostering coordinated multi-stakeholder action are essential to curtail air pollution, protect public health, and achieve sustainable climate resilience, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam stated on Sunday.
Delivering the keynote address as chief guest at a high-level national dialogue titled “Black Carbon and Other Short-Lived Climate Pollutants” at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka, the state minister highlighted the necessity of embedding empirical field research directly into national policy planning and project execution. The summit was organized jointly by the University of Dhaka and Sweden’s Stockholm University, with technical and institutional backing from the Clean Air Fund.
“To effectively curb the dispersion of black carbon and related airborne contaminants, empirical research findings must be integrated into regulatory frameworks and public-sector operations,” Islam remarked. “Bridging the gap between scientific investigation, policy formulation, and grassroots enforcement is critical. This necessitates robust institutional synergy across government line departments, academic faculties, independent research centers, and international development partners.”
The dialogue was presided over by Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Dhaka. Distinguished speakers and guests included Dr. Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Prime Minister; Professor Dr. S.M. Abdul Awal, Principal Coordinator for SDG Affairs at the Prime Minister’s Office; and Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh. Professor Örjan Gustafsson of Stockholm University participated alongside leading atmospheric scientists, environmental economists, and regional climate specialists.
Panelists examined the nexus between air contamination, public health crises, and climatic warming, engaging in technical evaluations on mitigation pathways for short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). The sessions detailed regional strategies to manage cross-border atmospheric transport of pollutants and underscored structured knowledge transfer between scientific bodies and policymakers to foster a climate-resilient and cleaner urban environment across Bangladesh.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change & Joint Proceedings of the University of Dhaka and Stockholm University