Dhaka, 25 October, 2024
Dhaka rally demands urgent action to protect lead pollution in Bangladesh.
During the rally, speakers highlighted five key demands directed at government officials. They called for strict monitoring to ensure safe standards in consumer products, especially aluminum cookware, wall paint, and children’s toys.
Speakers at a public awareness rally held at Tejgaon on Friday urged the government and policymakers to address lead pollution in Bangladesh.
Rally organized by YouthNet Global and Pure Earth Bangladesh, supported by UNICEF, the rally coincided with the observance of ‘International Lead Pollution Prevention Week’ from October 20 to 26.
This year this event, themed ‘Bright Futures Begin Lead-Free’, attracted around more than 50 participants, including volunteers, local NGOs, government officials, environmental rights activists, and members of civil society.
The rally began in the morning, covering significant locations near the Tejgaon industrial area and culminating in the formation of a human chain at noon.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, called for immediate action against lead pollution.
A recent blood lead level study on 500 children in Dhaka city, conducted by icddr,b in 2022 revealed that all the 500 children whose blood samples were tested, were found to have lead in their blood.
The ‘International Lead Pollution Prevention Week’ is observed globally every October to highlight the dangers of lead pollution. This year, the United Nations’ World Health Organization (WHO) is urging governments, civil society, healthcare workers, and the public to take urgent action to protect children from the harmful effects of lead exposure.
Source: Press Release, provided by the organization YouthNet.
