They also underscored the need for proper waste management to keep clean water, air and forests for the sake of sustainable development.
A virtual live discussion and seminar was conducted to celebrate World Environment Day 2020, with the theme of this year “It’s Time for Nature” which was jointly organised by University of Dhaka and Stamford University.
Professor Abdus Salam moderated the function while more than a hundred participants joined it. He narrated the importance of conservation of wildlife and biodiversity including the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest.
Dr Munjurul Hannan Khan, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information, discussed the role of government in formulation of laws and regulations related to environment.
“Clean Air Act will contribute to improve the air quality of the cities in Bangladesh,” he said.
Mused Majumdar Babu Chairman of ‘Prokriti O Jibon Foundation’ and Vice Chairman of Impress Group, emphasised changing our life styles and demands.
“The media can play an important role in raising public awareness,” he added.
Professor Md Zashim Uddin of the Department of Botany at Dhaka University, suggested planting local trees to balance our environment.
Emphasising land zoning before planting trees in city area, he underscored the need for more academic research on environmental conservation.
Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Chairman of Department of Environmental Sciences at Stamford University, also the Joint Secretary of BAPA, said environmental awareness is not an easy task in a country where people are struggling for the basic rights of living.
“There is no alternative to using resources in a sustainable manner. COVID-19 showed us the results of not conserving the nature. We should learn from the pandemic and correct us and stop polluting environment and make a plan for sustainable development now,” he added.
Professor Humayun Kabir of Geography and Environment at University of Dhaka said natural disasters have increased tremendously because of environmental pollution.
“We will have to pay much more in future if we don’t consider our environment while developing any sector,” he said.
Professor Sajeda Begum of Dept of Zoology at Jahangirnagar University said it was being reporting every day that wild animals are being killed in some parts of the country. “Illegal trafficking of the wild animal should stop without delay.”
Professor B Karabi Farhana of Dept of Environmental Science and Management at North South University talked about worsened air quality of Dhaka. “If we fail to control our pollution source, then we have to pay a lot in near future.”
Mohammad Azaz, Director of Riverine People, shared his experience on the river pollution.
“Municipal waste water is the key source of river water pollution around Dhaka city besides industrial effluents. It should be controlled without delay,” he said.
Abdul Wahab of St Martin master plan project emphasised on the conservation of coastal biodiversity of Bangladesh including all coastal islands.