Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Thursday emphasised the need for effective regional actions to address transboundary air pollution. 

"About 30-35% of Bangladesh’s air pollution originates from neighbouring countries. Therefore, solving this issue requires moving beyond political discussions to practical measures and regional cooperation," she said while virtually addressing the World Bank’s South Asia side event at the World Health Organization’s (WHO) second global conference in Cartagena, Colombia. 

Referring to the Kathmandu Roadmap and other agreements among South Asian nations, the adviser noted that while these are important steps, they are insufficient.

Stronger initiatives are needed to tackle air pollution effectively, she stressed. 

She mentioned that Bangladesh has finalised its Air Quality Control Regulations, aligning them with the WHO’s interim targets. These legal provisions set specific standards for polluting sectors and establish a framework for controlling both internal and external air pollution. 

"The implementation of the National Air Quality Management Plan, finalised in 2024, was delayed due to political instability. However, it is now being executed effectively, aiming to reduce pollution-related risks and increase the number of clean air days to safeguard public health," she added. 

The adviser further said that Bangladesh’s Clean Air Project, supported by the World Bank, is in its final stages and will be implemented soon, pending government approval.

The project focuses on strengthening regulatory frameworks, enforcing environmental laws, expanding pollution monitoring systems in industries, and modernising the public transport sector. 

She also announced plans to designate areas around Dhaka as "brick kiln-free zones," where the establishment of brick kilns will be prohibited.

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Besides, starting in May, old buses will be gradually phased out under a joint initiative by the Ministry of Environment and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). 

To combat dust pollution—one of the major contributors to poor air quality—initiatives such as urban greening along open roads in Dhaka and hiring more workers for street cleaning are being planned, she said.

The adviser highlighted that the demolition of illegal brick kilns has already led to some improvement in air quality, but sustained progress requires strict monitoring and modernisation of polluting sectors.  Rizwana Hasan pointed out that air pollution causes thousands of deaths in Bangladesh every year, with people in heavily polluted cities like Dhaka losing an estimated 5-7 years of their average lifespan. 

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"This crisis affects all of us—our children, parents, and future generations. The cost of inaction is too high. We must act now," she said. 

Expressing optimism, she said, "I am hopeful because I believe a solution is possible. We have the technology and alternatives at our disposal; what we need is commitment and implementation. Air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it is a humanitarian crisis." 

The conference was attended by ministerial representatives from South Asian countries, policymakers in the environment and energy sectors, representatives from international and development organisations, researchers, local administrators, transport and industrial experts, and members of civil society.