Published: 01:18 AM, 30 September 2026
AFD environmental expert meets DU Vice-Chancellor
Dr Farid Lamara, a renowned environmental expert at the French Development Agency (AFD), met Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam on Tuesday to discuss the prospects of launching a research project on human rights and climate policy in Bangladesh.
The meeting was held at the Vice-Chancellor's office at the university. Newman Max, Project Manager at AFD, accompanied Dr Lamara.
Dean of the Faculty of Law Professor Dr Mohammad Ikramul Haque and Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences Professor Dr Md Humayun Kabir were also present at the meeting.
During the meeting, the participants discussed the possibility of undertaking a research project titled "Human Rights and Climate Policy in Bangladesh" with support from the French Development Agency. Dhaka University will serve as the implementing authority of the proposed project.
They also discussed developing a structured data-collection framework for the research, which would facilitate systematic monitoring of the ways in which climate change is affecting human rights. The participants said the framework could be used by various stakeholders, including the government, civil society and academic institutions.
The meeting also discussed the formation of a research committee and a scientific committee comprising experts from Dhaka University to oversee the implementation of the research project.
In addition the participants explored opportunities for further joint educational and research initiatives between Dhaka University and AFD focusing on nature, climate change and river pollution, with the participation of communities living in Bangladesh's coastal areas.
Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam thanked the French expert for taking the initiative to explore the proposed research project.
He expressed DU's interest in working jointly with the French Development Agency to advance the university's educational and research activities. He stressed the need for signing a tripartite memorandum of understanding among Dhaka University,
AFD and the Bangladesh government to facilitate the research and ensure effective implementation of its findings.
The Vice-Chancellor also emphasised the need to take effective measures, based on research findings, to eliminate chemical pollution from the country's rivers.
