Noting that air pollution is not just a problem for one country; it is a regional and international issue, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said regional cooperation and coordination at the South Asian level, particularly among India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, are necessary to address this problem as pollution in one country affects others.
He also stressed the importance of increasing the use of technology to prevent air pollution and the need for coordinated actions from all parties.
Saber made these remarks at a seminar titled "Save Your Breath: Policy Dialogue on Clean Air Imperatives" held at a hotel in the capital on Monday.
The minister stated that air pollution causes not only physical harm but also economic damage, and therefore, every citizen must work to control pollution from their position.
He highlighted that we are causing noise and air pollution in various ways, which affects the health of others.
The minister also mentioned that the government is planning to explore alternative energy options. He emphasized that all relevant authorities must come forward to properly enforce laws to combat air and environmental pollution.
Prof Dr Abdus Salam of the Chemistry Department of Dhaka University presented the keynote on Dhaka's air pollution at the event.
Besides, Nahim Razzaq, the convener of Bangladesh Climate Parliament and Member of Parliament, Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, Adil Mohammad Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Anjali Kaur, Deputy Assistant Administrator of the USAID Asia Bureau, and Imran Ahmed, Deputy Executive Director of the Shakti Foundation spoke at the programme.
