Harmful substances are being found in hilsa, the interim government's fisheries and livestock adviser Farida Akhter said, citing a study.

She said this on Saturday (24 January) in her presidential address as the chancellor's representative at the third convocation of ASA University Bangladesh at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

The adviser said waste from factories in Narayanganj and other areas is flowing through the Shitalakshya river into the Meghna, seriously threatening the existence of hilsa and other aquatic life.

Citing a study, she said harmful substances such as microplastics, lead and cadmium are being found in the bodies of hilsa, which is extremely worrying.

In Farida Akhter's view, cleaning up the rivers is a very important national duty. It is not the government's responsibility alone; people's active participation and awareness are essential.

The adviser said the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock is responsible for protecting not only cows, goats and poultry but all animals, including dogs and cats. Without proper vaccination of dogs, the risk of rabies and other diseases rises. The ministry recently provided vaccines and treatment at a pet carnival at the University of Dhaka, which she said shows that caring for animals means ensuring the health and safety of all living beings.

Urging students to take care of their health, she said smoking and tobacco use do serious harm. Young people often think smoking or taking drugs will make them look smart or fashionable, but in reality these cause heart disease, cancer and many other illnesses. A law has recently been introduced to control smoking and tobacco, which is binding on everyone.

"Bangladesh is not a poor country," the adviser said. "Our people's skills, natural resources, drinking water, crop seeds and genetic resources are our greatest strengths. The next world war may be over water, seeds or natural resources. So ensuring the country's protection and safeguarding natural resources for the young generation is an important responsibility."

Farida Akhter added: "Young people should be active against corruption, environmental pollution and unhealthy habits. It is the duty of all of us to keep the country healthy, safe and prosperous for the next generation."

ASA University's vice-chancellor Professor Dr SM Rezaul Karim gave the welcome address. The convocation speaker was Dr Mohammad Abdul Momen, chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Professor Dr Mohammad Faruque, a member of the board of trustees and the chairman's representative, also spoke. The special guest was Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossain, a member of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh.

About four thousand students received degrees at the convocation: 2,096 at undergraduate level and 1,900 at postgraduate level. The adviser presented the Chancellor's Award to six students and the Vice-Chancellor's Award to nine students for outstanding results.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.