DU Correspondent

Dhaka University (DU) Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan on Tuesday emphasized that maintaining a healthy environment is intrinsically linked to the progress of human civilization.

Speaking as the chief guest at the closing session of the event titled "Clean and Green Campus for Sustainable Development", held at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban auditorium, the Vice Chancellor said, “Keeping the environment clean is not a one-time effort. It requires continuous, collective action. These responsibilities cannot be fulfilled individually. Both personal and communal efforts are essential to achieve meaningful results.”

The programme was organized by the University of Dhaka with the support of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, UNIDO, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka, and the PRAN-RFL Group.

Highlighting the significance of environmental awareness among youth, Professor Khan said, “Today’s training programme contributes to the greater struggle for human existence. The University of Dhaka is committed to supporting such initiatives. Our campus has several environmental clubs that are actively working. I am optimistic, but we must ensure the continuity of these efforts. Only then can we expect success.”

The event was structured into three sessions, with the opening and closing sessions chaired by DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed. The opening session was graced by Dr. Fahmida Khanam, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as the chief guest.

Other speakers included Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Director General of the Department of Environment; Dr. Zaki Uz Zaman, UNIDO Representative in Bangladesh; Dr. Md. Ridwanul Haque, Professor at DU’s Institute of Business Administration; Dr. Abdul Al Mamun, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment; and Sumaiya Tabassum Ahmed from PRAN-RFL Group.

In the second session, around 400 students from Dhaka University, Dhaka Medical College, and BUET received hands-on training on environmental sustainability. Certificates were distributed among participants by the DU Vice Chancellor.

In his remarks, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof  Dr. Mamun Ahmed stated, “A green campus fosters creativity among students and teachers alike. We all desire a clean, healthy academic environment. This programme will inspire students to not only practice but also promote environmental responsibility. As a leading institution, Dhaka University is committed to fulfilling its duties towards society, the nation, and the world.