DU Correspondent

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan has voiced concern over the pervasive political polarization in Bangladesh, identifying it as a major obstacle to national progress. “In every sphere of our country, there is political division,” he said. 

“This divide is one of the biggest barriers to our advancement. However, the environmental movement stands above politics—transcending party lines, it brings people together. It is a great opportunity to protect our environment.”

Professor Khan made these remarks on Saturday morning,  while presiding over a certificate-awarding ceremony for the initiative “Clean and Green Campus for Sustainable Development”, held at the university’s Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building. The program was organized by the University of Dhaka in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, UNIDO, the Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka, and PRAN-RFL Group.

In his keynote address, Professor Khan emphasized the importance of unity in environmental efforts: “There is no competition in the environmental movement; everyone is a collaborator. Today’s event is a testament to that spirit, with participation from government bodies, Dhaka Medical College, BUET, the United Nations, and the Norwegian Embassy. We want to institutionalize this partnership. The connections forged today must be maintained.”

The event’s chief guest, environmentalist and advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, echoed this sentiment. She called for behavioral changes to support a greener future. “We must grow accustomed to using jute bags as an alternative to plastic,” she said. “We aim to declare university campuses as single-use plastic-free zones. But this requires cooperation from all stakeholders. Additionally, we must work toward horn-free campuses. With goodwill and awareness, these goals are achievable.”

Welcoming the guests, Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed opened the session, while notable attendees included:Marion Rahbi Kolavelrad, Secretary, Norwegian Embassy,Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change,Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Director General, Department of Environment,Dr. Zaki Uz Zaman, UNIDO Representative in Bangladesh,Chowdhury Kamruzzaman, Director, PRAN-RFL Group,Dr. Afia Shahriaraz, Provost, Dhaka Medical College's Dr. Alim Chowdhury Hall,Dr. Md. Mofizur Rahman, Professor, Civil Engineering, BUET,Professor Dr. Aleya Begum, Department of Zoology, Dhaka University.

The session was moderated by Professor Dr. Md. Ridwanul Haque from the Institute of Business Administration, Dhaka University.

In his speech, Professor Khan underlined the university’s ongoing environmental efforts. “We are taking more actions than making political statements,” he remarked. “Let’s not forget the sacrifices made for our independence. We have officially banned leaf burning on campus to curb air pollution. This directive is being closely monitored.”

He added that the university is working toward becoming a single-use plastic-free campus but emphasized a phased approach: “I will not make the declaration today. We’ll first make progress, then announce.” The Vice-Chancellor also noted that the use of fireworks on campus has been reduced to nearly zero.

As Bangladesh continues to grapple with the complexities of development amid political tensions, such initiatives signal a hopeful direction—one where cooperation, not division, leads the way forward.