An awareness-raising programme on environmental protection titled ‘Stop burning fallen leaves’ at the Mall Chattar of Dhaka University on Monday, aimed at promoting clean air and a greener, more livable campus.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmad Khan attended the event as chief guest. The programme was jointly organised by the Dhaka University Arboriculture Centre, Ducsu, Green Future Foundation, and Paribesh Sangsad, according to a press release.
Arboriculture Centre Director Professor Dr. Mohammad Jasim Uddin, Faculty of Science Dean Professor Dr Abdus Salam, Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmad, and Paribesh Sangsad General Secretary Sheikh Rashed Kamal Onik spoke at the event, among others. University Estate Manager, gardeners, and cleaning staff from various halls, departments, and institutes were also present.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor said environmental protection must become a daily practice rather than a symbolic observance. He highlighted the university’s ongoing green initiatives, including expanding greenery at the Mall Chattar, tagging century-old trees, and creating safe habitats for birds.
As in previous years, he reiterated his call to refrain from using fireworks during New Year celebrations and urged everyone to stop the harmful practice of burning fallen leaves, which contributes significantly to air pollution. He also stressed the need for training programmes for cleaning staff, adding that good practices will be rewarded while negligence will draw warnings.
The event concluded with a colourful rally on the campus.
