Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized the essential integration of environment, biodiversity, and public health in development planning during a seminar in Dhaka. She highlighted that neglecting environmental considerations in the name of development ultimately results in societal costs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana, who also advises the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, addressed the seminar titled ‘One Health Initiatives: Opportunities, Challenges and Future Strategies,’ held at a city hotel. She underscored the interconnectedness of nature and humanity, warning against sacrificing ecological considerations for development projects.
As the chief guest, Rizwana identified excessive procedural complexities, weak inter-ministerial coordination, and slow decision-making as significant barriers to implementing One Health initiatives. She advocated for establishing effective advisory committees and clear focal points within ministries to address these challenges. Rizwana also emphasized the importance of increasing manpower, expanding online processes, and strengthening coordination with other government divisions to expedite project implementation.
Citing practical experience, she noted that land acquisition procedures often consume a large portion of a project’s timeline, calling for urgent reforms to streamline these processes. Rizwana highlighted that One Health should be seen as a social and ethical value system rather than merely a technical framework. Communicating the importance of protecting wildlife and nature-based development to all societal levels is crucial for sustainable development.
Rizwana expressed hope that the government would strengthen One Health initiatives through capacity building, policy reforms, and effective coordination. During the seminar, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter stressed the need for collaboration between various ministries to ensure public welfare. Other notable speakers included Professor Dr. Md Sayedur Rahman, Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber, Md Saidur Rahman, Dr. Md Abu Sufian, Professor Dr. Tahmina Shirin, and Md Jahidul Kabir.