Rangpur: Speakers at a panel discussion emphasized the urgent need for collective action to tackle air pollution, highlighting it as the most significant risk to environmental health. They urged everyone to act responsibly to ensure healthy air for all and protect the environment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the panel discussion was organized by the NGO Development of Poor Society (DOPS) to mark International Clean Air Day for Blue Skies 2025 at the Robertsonganj School and College auditorium in the city. Supported by the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh and financially assisted by Action Aid, the event focused on the theme ‘Pledge of Fair Energy, Clean Air is the Right of Everyone’.
During the event, Alifa Tanzim, a senior teacher at Robertsonsganj School and College, presented a documentary on the environment, highlighting issues related to fair energy and clean air. The discussion was moderated by Rawshan Jamil, another senior teacher at the institution.
Prominent speakers included Md Zakir Hossain, Principal of Robertsonganj School and College, DOPS Executive Director Ujjwal Kumar Chakraborty, and Abdullah Al Harun, a teacher at Adarsha High School. Approximately 150 students from local schools, teachers, and guests participated in the event.
The speakers highlighted the global observance of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on September 7, aimed at raising awareness about the necessity of combating air pollution and improving air quality. Ujjwal Kumar Chakraborty emphasized that the day serves as a global call to action, underscoring the connection between clean air, human health, and planetary well-being.
Abdullah Al Harun pointed out the severe threats posed by air pollution to human health, resulting in preventable deaths and illnesses worldwide, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly. He advocated for increased investment, stronger partnerships, and shared responsibility to address air pollution, linking these efforts to climate change mitigation and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The event concluded with the distribution of honorary crests among the participating students, teachers, and guests as a token of appreciation for their involvement in the panel discussion.