Social Welfare Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid spoke at a discussion meeting on "PFAS Pollution and Public Health in Bangladesh" at a hotel in the capital today. Photo : PID

DHAKA, May 3, 2025 (BSS) - Social Welfare Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid today said that addressing the issue of environmental pollution should be brought into the forefront while due emphasis should be given in this regard.

"The government has to think about river pollution and PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) pollution. Please come up with your well thought-out plan since the doors of the interim government are always open for you," she said.
The Social Welfare Adviser was addressing a discussion meeting on "PFAS Pollution and Public Health in Bangladesh" as the chief guest held at a hotel in the capital today, according to a press release.

The programme was organized by Waterkeepers Bangladesh; former chairman of the National River Conservation Commission Dr Mujibur Rahman Howlader presided over the discussion while it was moderated by Waterkeepers Bangladesh moderator Sharif Jamil.

As special guests, European Union (EU) Programme Manager Hubert Blom, Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA) co-convenor MS Siddiky, BNP Chairperson's Adviser Dr Sakhawat Hasan Jiban, Chief Co-ordinator of Ganosanhati Andolan Jonayed Saki were present on the occasion.

Senior development activist Shahid Hasan presented a paper on PFAS pollution in the country.

Besides, Waterkeepers Alliance Advocacy Director Jacki Esposito, Chief Technology Officer of US-based entity Cypress Systems INC Dr Zaki Yusuf, ESDO Programme Adviser Dr Atal Kumar Mazumder and South Asia Mobilization Coordinator of 350.org Amanullah Parag spoke as discussants.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, the Social Welfare Adviser urged all concerned to form a taskforce and thus groom this country as a nice delta since people would not remain protected if the environment is damaged and polluted.

Sharmeen said that it was the responsibility of the previous government to conserve the surface water of the country, but it failed due to the ineffectiveness of the concerned policies and lack of farsightedness.

Referring to water pollution, she reminded us about the dire consequences of overall environmental pollution.

BNP Chairperson's Adviser Dr Sakhawat Hasan Jiban demanded that government ensure the punishment of those who are liable for environmental pollution.

Referring to BNP's 31-point charter, Jiban said that all concerned should work for the development of green industrialization while good governance is also needed to protect environment.

Former chairman of the National River Conservation Commission Dr Mujibur Rahman said that the political parties should include environment related issues in their election manifesto while all concerned ministries should work in an integrated manner in this regard.