In observance of the World Environment Day 2025, themed “Ending Plastic Pollution,” a seminar titled “Pollution: Plastic and Dye” followed by the prize-giving ceremony of ‘Rethink Waste 2025: Zero-Waste Product Design Contest’ was held on May 27, 2025, at the Multipurpose Hall, Annex 7 of American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB). The event was organized by the AIUB Environment Club, supported by the Department of Chemistry and facilitated by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), AIUB.

The program commenced with an opening speech by Mr. Mashiour Rahman, Senior Associate Professor and Dean (In-Charge), Faculty of Science & Technology, AIUB. The seminar's keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Sayed M. Shamsuddin from the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka. Professor Shamsuddin provided an insightful and thought-provoking presentation on the growing environmental concerns caused by plastic and dye pollution.

He highlighted that the widespread use of plastics and synthetic dyes in recent decades has led to alarming levels of pollution, severely impacting ecosystems, public health, and sustainable development. The seminar aimed to raise awareness, share scientific knowledge, and encourage discussions on the sources, impacts, and viable solutions to these forms of pollution. It also served as a platform for collaboration among researchers, policymakers, educators, and students to promote environmentally responsible practices.

Following the presentation, Prof. Shamsuddin engaged in an interactive Q&A session, enthusiastically responding to questions from students and faculty members who attended the event.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Dr. S. Mosaddeq Ahmed, Head of the Department of Chemistry and Mentor of the AIUB Environment Club. He expressed sincere appreciation to the guest speaker, fellow faculty members, students, and club members for their contributions to the seminar's success.

The event was honored by the presence of Prof. Dr. Saiful Islam, Honorable Vice-Chancellor of AIUB, who gave a brief concluding speech. He lauded the initiative, emphasizing the importance of addressing environmental challenges through academic and extracurricular engagement.

The session concluded with the presentation of a crest and a gift box to the guest speaker by Prof. Dr. Saiful Islam, Dr. Ziarat H. Khan (Associate Professor, Department of OSCM and Deputy Director, OSA), and Prof. Dr. S. Mosaddeq Ahmed, as a token of appreciation for his valuable contribution.

Prior to this, crests and certificates were awarded to the winners and participants of the ‘Rethink Waste 2025: Zero-Waste Product Design Contest’ by the Vice-Chancellor and the Deputy Director of OSA. The entire program was smoothly and engagingly anchored by Mr. Shahriar Atik Fahim, Lecturer, Department of Chemistry.

The seminar witnessed active participation from faculty members across departments, AIUB Environment Club members, contest participants, and students from various disciplines, marking a significant step towards environmental awareness and action within the university community.