Environment Advisor Calls for Enhanced Bangladesh-China Cooperation in Environmental Management.

Dhaka, 6 January 2025:
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, emphasized that Bangladesh and China can collaborate effectively in air quality management and sustainable development by learning from each other's policies, innovations, and community-driven approaches. She also underscored the importance of sharing comprehensive information on common rivers and fostering stronger people-to-people connections to achieve mutual goals.

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.