Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has highlighted the government’s active efforts to combat air pollution and reduce public suffering through fuel standardisation and refinery modernisation.
Speaking at a seminar titled “Air Quality Research and Environmental Policy Discussion” at Dhaka University, organized by the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh on Sunday, she outlined steps such as controlling road dust, discouraging waste burning, and initiating long-term solutions like fuel standardization and refinery modernization.
“This is the first time in the country’s history that the advisory council has discussed air pollution, signifying the importance we’ve attached to this issue,” she stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing this pressing environmental challenges.
The adviser emphasised the need for behavioral changes, such as wearing masks and disposing of waste responsibly.
She also announced plans to plant grass on uncovered road dividers during the monsoon and to repair broken roads to minimize dust pollution.
A task force and action groups have been formed to address these and other challenges.
The seminar featured keynote presentations by global air quality experts, including 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.
They provided insights into managing urban and industrial air pollution.
Research findings from academics and environmental scientists, such as Dr. Zahidul Quayyum of BRAC University and Dr. Ziaul Haque from the Department of Environment, highlighted air quality trends in Bangladesh and proposed actionable solutions.
The event also discussed the Bangladesh National Air Quality Management Plan, focusing on implementing effective policies to improve air quality nationwide.
