Political division permeates every sector in Bangladesh and poses a significant barrier to national progress, according to Dhaka University (DU) Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan.
Speaking at a ceremony On Saturday, April 19, he highlighted how environmental activism uniquely transcends these divisions at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, brining together representatives from government, academia, international organisations and private sector.
"Regardless of political affiliation, everyone embraces this movement. It is a major opportunity to protect the environment. If we all take collective initiatives and work together, we can achieve success in this area quickly," Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan stated while presiding over the "Clean and Green Campus for Development" programme.
In the environmental sphere, he emphasised ''There are no competitors, everyone is a collaborator," pointing to the diverse participation from the government, Dhaka Medical College, BUET, the United Nations and the Norwegian Embassy. "We want to institutionalise this partnership. I hope the communication and relationships we have built will remain strong," he added.
Addressing substantive action versus rhetoric, DU VC declared, "We are working hard, not just engaging in political talk. We must remember that we are standing on the blood of many. That history must never be forgotten."
He revealed that DU has implemented concrete environmental measures, including an official ban on leaf-burning to reduce air pollution with regular monitoring in place. The university is simultaneously working towards becoming "single-use plastic free" and has nearly eliminated fireworks on campus.
Chief guest Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, urged wider adoption of jute bags as a plastic alternative. "We want to declare universities as 'single-use plastic free zones'.
For that, we need cooperation from all concerned," she stated, also advocating for horn-free campuses. "With goodwill and awareness, these goals are entirely achievable," she concluded.
Collaborative event was organised by Dhaka University alongside the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, UNIDO, the Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka, and PRAN-RFL Group, exemplifying the cross-sectoral partnership Prof Khan described as essential for environmental progress.
NRE/SH
