They urged all, including the civil society, to help ensure a sound environment free from all kinds of pollution.

The third national conference of the Doctors for Health and Environment (DHE) was held at the Planning and Development Academy auditorium in the city.

Prof. Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, president of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA) and vice-chancellor of BRAC University, attended the conference as chief guest while Prof. A K M Abdus Salam, founding president of DHE, presided.

Prof. Chowdhury said all should come forward to work together to ensure a sound environment.

He also urged the doctors to take effective steps to contain the environmental pollution.

Prof Nazmun Nahar, chairman of Sammelon Prostuti Parishad, said poverty is one of the reasons for environment pollution. Most of the poor people are not even aware of it.

She called for steps to raise the living standard of poor people and ensure healthy environment in the working places.

Abed Khan, editor of the Bhorer Kagoj, said that efforts to protect environment might face serious setback if proper steps are not taken to check noise pollution.

Dr Abdul Matin, general secretary of DHE, said mass awareness campaign is essential for ensuring a pollution-free environment.

He stressed the need for framing a national strategy for eco-friendly schemes.

Former minister AMA Muhit, former registrar of Bangladesh Medical Association Dr Sharfuddin Ahmed, and Dr Mostak Hossain of the Doctors Forum, also spoke.

Later, Prof. Jamilur Reza Chowdhury gave away 'Awards of Doctors for Health and Environment' to Dr Kamal Hossain, Dr Ahmed Rafique, Dr A K M Abdus Salam and Dr Mahfuzur Rahman for their outstanding contribution to the society.