Shaping Sustainable Futures: Seminar on Climate Change, Natural Disasters, and Infrastructure by the Civil Engineering Department

The Department of Civil Engineering at the World University of Bangladesh (WUB) hosted a national seminar on “Natural Disaster, Climate Change and Infrastructure” on May 23, 2025 at the Founding Treasurer Morsheda Choudhury Auditorium, highlighting the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure in Bangladesh.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Md. Sirajul Islam, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at North South University and Member of the Board of Accreditation for Engineering and Technical Education (BAETE), Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), stressed the growing vulnerability of infrastructure to climate-induced disasters. He called for integrating resilience-based approaches into planning to counter the risks of floods, cyclones, and other natural hazards. Dr. Islam emphasized sustainable engineering practices, proactive disaster preparedness, and adaptation measures as crucial for protecting both rural and urban communities.

The seminar also featured remarks from Professor Zaki Imam, Registrar of WUB, who attended as special guest. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to addressing pressing societal challenges through education and research. According to him, such academic forums not only broaden knowledge but also inspire students to critically examine the role of engineers in safeguarding society against environmental threats.

Chairing the session, Mr. Sagor Kumar Podder, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at WUB, underscored the importance of equipping future engineers with the skills to design sustainable solutions for climate challenges. He pointed out that collaboration between academia, government, and industry is essential to advance climate-resilient infrastructure.

The event concluded with a collective call to action for stronger cross-sectoral partnerships to develop disaster-resilient infrastructure systems. Faculty members, students, and participants agreed that collaborative efforts are vital in mitigating the escalating impacts of climate change.

The Department of Civil Engineering expressed appreciation to the keynote speaker, distinguished guest, faculty, and students whose active participation ensured the seminar’s success. With discussions spanning vulnerability, adaptation, and sustainability, the seminar served as a significant platform for knowledge-sharing and reaffirmed WUB’s dedication to preparing engineers capable of confronting one of Bangladesh’s most urgent challenges—building infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters in an era of climate uncertainty.