NN Report:
At a landmark event held on Monday at the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Nagar Bhaban auditorium in Gulshan-2, DNCC Administrator Mr. Mohammad Azaz emphasized the critical need for collecting temperature data in Dhaka in the same manner as air pollution data, highlighting it as essential for combating the city’s escalating environmental challenges.
The program, titled “Baseline Study on the Role of Vegetation in Reducing Temperature and Air Pollution: A Study in Informal Settlements of Dhaka North City Corporation,” was jointly organized by DNCC, the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), the Community Town Federation (CTF), and World Vision Bangladesh.
Mr. Azaz, the chief guest, called attention to Dhaka’s shrinking greenery, stating, “When we think of a city, we imagine more buildings and fewer trees. We need to change this perception and reality by planning our cities with more vegetation.” He stressed that planned urban forestry can effectively lower city temperatures and advocated for consistent and scientific temperature data collection to support environmental policies.
The event brought together prominent environmental experts and stakeholders. Professor Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Chairman of CAPS, described trees as humanity’s “closest allies,” not only for oxygen supply but also for their roles in cooling temperatures and purifying air. “Scientific research will guide us in selecting the right trees and planning green spaces effectively,” he added.
The study’s Project Brief was presented by Engr. Md. Nasir Ahmmed Patoary, Lecturer at Stamford University, who outlined how the 12-month research will assess the impact of vegetation at five sites in Dhaka North using digital tools and satellite imagery. He noted that the inclusion of local youth and community members would play a key role in making the research actionable and community-driven.
Special guest Mr. Suresh Bartlett, National Director of World Vision Bangladesh, underscored the relevance of this research to child welfare, stating, “Our mission has always been to ensure a safe and healthy future for children. Air pollution directly threatens this future. This research is a step in the right direction.”
DNCC Chief Executive Officer Mr. Abu Sayed Md. Kamruzzaman called for data-driven recommendations on tree species most effective in pollution control, urging researchers to help DNCC identify solutions for re-greening the city.
Renowned botanist Professor Dr. Mohammad Zashim Uddin echoed the need for ecological harmony, noting that seasonal and native tree planting would help restore the capital’s lost green heritage. “We must design a Dhaka that aligns with nature,” he said.
The event was attended by DNCC officials, CAPS researchers, World Vision staff, and community leaders from CTF, all united in their goal to promote sustainable urban development through scientific research and community engagement.
The collaborative initiative is expected to influence future urban planning and environmental protection strategies, with a special focus on marginalized communities living in in
formal settlements.
