Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said 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.
 
The adviser underscored the need for sharing comprehensive information on common rivers and fostering stronger people-to-people connections to achieve mutual goals.
Rizwana 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 virtual classroom of the Vice Chancellor Suite.
"We must remain honest in our sustainable development efforts. Decades of activism are needed to protect the environment," she said.
 
"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," the environment adviser said.
Rizwana 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.
 
Rizwana urged Dhaka University authorities to phase out single-use plastics on campus, demonstrating leadership in sustainability.
Yao Wen, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh, and Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University, 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 a keynote paper.
Professor Shamsad Mortuza, Director of the Office of International Affairs, also shared his insights during the seminar.
The seminar concluded with a dynamic question-and-answer session, reflecting the keen interest of students and researchers in advancing sustainable environmental management.