Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has sought China’s cooperation in controlling air pollution. She requested that Beijing share its experience in controlling air pollution with Bangladesh. She said we can learn from China’s policies, innovations, and community-driven approaches. She also underscored the importance of sharing comprehensive information on common rivers and also wanted to know from China about the Plans in Brahmaputra River.
She made these remarks at a seminar titled “Analysis of Environmental Sustainable Development and Management in China and Bangladesh” organized today by the Center for China Studies, University of Dhaka, at the virtual classroom of the Vice Chancellor Suite.
Environment Advisor said, we must remain honest in our sustainable development efforts. Decades of activism are needed to protect the environment. We cannot win a race against nature; instead, we need to redesign development patterns and hold polluters accountable. Destroying rivers for the leather industry or flattening hills for unregulated development is unacceptable.
She further stressed that technological advancements must respect the fundamental principles of nature. We must focus on managing development activities sustainably rather than attempting to manage nature itself, she added. The Environment Advisor urged Dhaka University authorities to phase out single-use plastics on campus, demonstrating leadership in sustainability.
Yao Wen, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh, and Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University, spoke in the event as special guests. Dr. Li Fengting, Professor at Tongji University and Director of the UNEP-Tongji Environmental Innovation Cooperation Center, presented the keynote paper. Professor Shamsad Mortuza, Director of the Office of International Affairs, also shared his insights during the seminar.
The seminar concluded with a dynamic question-and-answer session, reflecting the keen interest of students and researchers in advancing sustainable environmental management.