A day-long policy dialogue on identifying the impacts of environmental pollution on children was held at Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) today. GAU and World Vision Bangladesh jointly organised the dialogue at the university’s Old Auditorium, bringing together policymakers, administrators, environmental experts, civil society representatives, youth groups and students to discuss practical ways to curb pollution and protect children from its growing impacts. GAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr GKM Mustafizur Rahman attended the program as the chief guest, while Gazipur Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Md Nurul Karim Bhuiyan and Gazipur City Corporation Chief Executive Officer Tanzila Khanom were present as special guests. Joanna D’Rosario, Senior Manager of the Urban Program at World Vision Bangladesh, chaired the event. The program began with child forum representatives welcoming the guests with tree saplings, highlighting the importance of giving children a cleaner and healthier environment. In his welcome address, Tongi Urban Program Arca Manager Manas Biswas stressed the need for stronger collaboration among relevant stakeholders to address environmental challenges at the local level. Professor Dr Mohammad Saiful Alam, Professor of Soil Science and Proctor of GAU, delivered the keynote presentation on the causes of environmental pollution, its consequences and possible measures for prevention and mitigation. The presentation was followed by a panel discussion involving five panellists and an open discussion, allowing participants to share concerns, experiences and recommendations. Speaking at the event, Deputy Commissioner Md Nurul Karim Bhuiyan said effective management of waste generated at the individual level could significantly contribute to preventing pollution at the collective level. “Gazipur District Administration is keen to work with all stakeholders through a partnership-based approach to make Gazipur a pollution-free and child-friendly city,” he said, urging citizens to begin positive change from their own homes and surroundings. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr GKM Mustafizur Rahman emphasised the importance of expanding tree cover to combat air pollution. “There is no alternative to planting adequate numbers of trees to reduce air pollution,” he said, referring to the national initiative to plant 250 million trees over five years as a landmark environmental measure. He said GAU remains committed to working through coordinated initiatives to help build a safe, clean and healthy urban environment for children and citizens alike. The program concluded with closing remarks by Joanna D’Rosario.