Bangladesh and China can collaborate effectively in air quality management and sustainable development by learning from each other's policies, innovations, and community-driven approaches,  Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said.

She made these remarks at a seminar titled “Analysis of Environmental Sustainable Development and Management in China and Bangladesh” organised  by the Center for China Studies, University of Dhaka, at the university.

She also underscored the importance of sharing comprehensive information on common rivers and fostering stronger people-to-people connections to achieve mutual goals.

“We must remain honest in our sustainable development efforts. We cannot win a race against nature; instead, we need to redesign development patterns and hold polluters accountable. Destroying rivers for the leather industry or flattening hills for unregulated development is unacceptable,” she said.

She said technological advancements must respect the fundamental principles of nature.

“We must focus on managing development activities sustainably rather than attempting to manage nature itself,” she added.

Read: Initiatives taken to modernise Environment Department: Rizwana Hasan

The Environment Adviser urged Dhaka University authorities to phase out single-use plastics on campus.

Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen,Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan spoke at the event as special guests.

Dr. Li Fengting, Professor at Tongji University and Director of the UNEP-Tongji Environmental Innovation Cooperation Center, presented the keynote paper.

Professor Shamsad Mortuza, Director of the Office of International Affairs, also shared his insights during the seminar.