Policy dialogue at GAU to address environmental pollution impacts on children
Gazipur City Correspondent
A day-long policy dialogue focusing on the harmful effects of environmental pollution on children's health and their safe future was held at Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) on Monday.
The event was jointly organized by Gazipur Agricultural University and World Vision Bangladesh at the university's Old Auditorium, with the aim of identifying the impacts of environmental pollution on children and promoting a pollution-free Gazipur city.
Prof Dr. G.K.M. Mostafizur Rahman, Vice-Chancellor of GAU, attended the event as the chief guest. Gazipur Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Md. Nurul Karim Bhuiyan and Tanzila Khanam, Chief Executive Officer of Gazipur City Corporation, were present as special guests.
The session was chaired by Joanna D. Rosario, Senior Manager of the Urban Programme at World Vision Bangladesh.Deans, directors, faculty members, officials from Gazipur City Corporation and the district administration, NGO representatives, youth forum members, environmental experts, and university students attended the programme.
At the beginning of the event, representatives of the Children's Forum presented tree saplings to the guests, delivering a message of environmental protection.
Following a welcome speech by Manas Biswas, Area Manager of the Tongi Urban Programme, Prof Dr. Mohammad Saiful Alam, Prof of Soil Science and Proctor at GAU, presented the keynote paper. His presentation covered the causes of environmental pollution, its impact on children, and measures to prevent pollution.
A panel discussion involving five panelists was subsequently held, followed by an engaging open discussion.
Deputy Commissioner Md. Nurul Karim Bhuiyan said that effective waste management at the individual level could significantly reduce pollution at the community level.
He expressed the Gazipur District Administration's interest in working with stakeholders through partnerships to build a clean and pollution-free city for children and all residents.
Chief guest Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. G.K.M. Mostafizur Rahman emphasized that there is no alternative to adequate tree plantation to prevent air pollution.
