Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with about 170 million people living in 148,460 square kilometers. Rapid urbanization, uncontrolled and unplanned industrialization, construction activities, thermal generators, industrial and solid coal burning, and brick kilns are major sources of air pollution in the country.
On 7th November 2023, the Center for Law and Policy Affairs (CLPA) convened a discussion with students from multiple institutions at Preran Net’s conference room at 4:00 pm. This collaborative effort, involving CLPA, Open Sesame, the Japan Fund
for Global Environment (JFGE), and the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), focused on ‘The Role of Youth in Combating Air Pollution’. Distinguished attendees included Md. Aminul Islam, CLPA’s Program Head, Policy Analyst Kamrunnica Munna, Finance and Admin Officer
Md. Atiqur Rahman, along with CLPA’s Tarikuzzaman Yen and Rimu Akhter, among other notable delegates.
The speakers emphasized that to maintain clean air, it is crucial to halt the burning of leaves and encourage the planting of trees alongside roads and on rooftops. Utilizing superior fuels and ceasing the operation of unauthorized brick kilns are also vital steps towards achieving an atmosphere free of pollution. Moreover, the youth can significantly contribute to this cause by raising public awareness about the detrimental effects of leaf burning and waste, and by advocating for urban greenery through roadside and rooftop gardens.