Speakers at a public dialogue titled “Kemon Poribesh Chai?” on Thursday called for a pollution-free and liveable Bangladesh where environmental protection is ensured through stronger policy enforcement, inclusive planning, and greater media attention to environmental issues.
The event was held at the R C Majumdar Auditorium of the University of Dhaka and jointly organised by the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies, Mission Green Bangladesh, and the Bangladesh River Foundation. More than forty young speakers, researchers, and environmental experts participated, sharing their visions and concerns about the country’s environmental future.
Participants voiced deep concern over the ongoing degradation of Bangladesh’s natural environment, citing river encroachment, deforestation, and unchecked urbanisation as major threats to public health and quality of life. Several speakers noted with concern that Bangladesh’s identity as a riverine nation now exists largely in literature and rhetoric, while the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Nasir Ahmed Patwary attended the programme with his young daughter, describing it as a symbolic gesture highlighting what is at stake for future generations.
“We just want an environment where, when my daughter grows up, she doesn’t have to attend discussions like this,” he said, expressing hope that the current generation will resolve environmental challenges before passing them on.
Hema Chakma, a member of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU), emphasised the basic environmental rights of citizens.
“I’m not asking for anything extraordinary,” she said. “People should at least be able to breathe properly and sleep well — the bare minimum required to live.”
She criticised what she described as contradictory government policies. “The government speaks about restoring canals while simultaneously destroying rivers. We cannot accept both,” she said.
Hema also raised concerns about threats to the Sal forest in Tangail and allegations involving government officials in wildlife killings in Khagrachhari.
Student Aparajita Raktajaba pressed for infrastructure that works for everyone. "I want an inclusive environment — are our buildings, our physical spaces, actually universal? Are they designed for all people?"
She also expressed concern about the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, arguing that discussions around large development projects often overlook independent researchers and local communities.
"We are already seeing problems because of Rooppur. Policymakers need much stronger legal frameworks and public awareness campaigns around how sustainable this will actually be."
Another participant, Zobaer Islam, described severe environmental degradation in Dhaka’s Badamtoli area, calling it a place with “every ingredient necessary to make a city uninhabitable.”
Referring to canal and river encroachment in Kamrangirchar, he said, “Local leaders proudly claim ownership of multi-storey buildings, but those structures often stand on land that once belonged to canals or rivers.”
Jagannath University student Zobaer Ahmed turned his attention to the media. "Bangladesh's media is obsessed with crime and politics. It never gives the environment anywhere near the same importance — but the environment is just as urgent as politics. We need far more coverage of pollution, illegal river grabs, and the loss of open spaces."
Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumdar, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Stamford University and one of the event's organisers, framed the dialogue as a platform for people to voice their environmental expectations from the new government. "What is the future of Bangladesh's environment? How much can we realistically expect from the new government? We came together today to find answers to these questions and to begin building a people's environmental priority list for the road ahead," he said.
The session brought together civil society representatives, environmental experts, young leaders, and researchers — all speaking directly from the podium about the Bangladesh they want to see.
