Arsenic filter inaugurated in Khulna

KHULNA, Apr 18: A non-government organisation ADAMS Foundation, with support from donor agency, Bridge of Light, Germany organised a discussion meeting on public welfare activities and the inauguration of an arsenic removal filter at Shaheed Hadis Park in Khulna City on Friday.

A 30-liter capacity arsenic removal filter, jointly developed by ADAMS Foundation, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), and Japan's Ritsumeikan University, was inaugurated at the event.

Speakers said Bridge of Light, Germany has been financing various welfare-oriented projects in Bangladesh for the past 40 years through ADAMS Foundation and other organisations.

These initiatives include establishment of technical training centers to enhance youth skills, construction of 10-bed hospitals in remote rural areas, implementation of renewable technologies to face climate change impacts, promotion of human and civic rights through awareness and human resource development under the 'Community Forum' project, and assistance during disasters such as Cyclone Sidr, Cyclone Aila and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vice-Chancellor of Khulna Agricultural University Prof Dr Md Nazmul Ahsan attended the event as the chief guest.

Among others, Khulna University Architecture Discipline Head and Acting Dean of Fine Arts School Prof Dr Sheikh Sirajul Hakim, KUET Civil Engineering Professor Dr Hamidul Bari, Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Chief Executive Officer Rajib Ahmed, Managing Director of Bridge of Light, Germany Holger Trechow, former mayor of KCC and trustee of Community Forum Bir Muktijoddha Mohammad Moniruzzaman Moni, and Community Forum Central Committee President Sheikh Kamruzzaman spoke as special guests. Executive Director of ADAMS Foundation S M Ali Aslam chaired the event.

A discussion was also held in memory of the late founders of the donor agency, Friedel Knipp and Mathilde von Lüninck Knipp.

Presidents, general secretaries and members of Community Forums from different wards of the city, along with youth forum members and officials and staff of ADAMS Foundation's urban healthcare, climate and other projects, were present at the event.