On Friday 27 June 2003, Dr Kazi Matin Ahmed who is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology, Dhaka University presented a seminar to BBPA members at the Kobi Nazrul Centre, London. Dr Ahmed is a well known geologist. His area of specialisation includes hydrogeology with particular reference to water pollution and environmental aspect of water development.

Dr Ahmed is a graduate of Dhaka University, and completed his PhD in Hydrogeology from University College London. The main focus of his current research is the arsenic contamination of Bangladesh groundwater where he is working in collaboration with national and international organizations.

His research partners at home include Bangladesh Water Development Board and the Department of Public Health Engineering. Overseas organisations include the University College London, the British Geological Survey, the Royal Institute of Technology of Sweden and Columbia University of the USA

He has published more than 20 papers in national and international journals and conference proceedings. He has also jointly authored number of scientific reports and manuals.

About Arsenic Poisoning

Arsenic is responsible for what has been described as the worlds worst mass poisoning. However, this is a man made disaster:

• It was a pride for Bangladesh that it brought 97% of the population under the coverage of safe drinking water through extension of rural tube well projects.

• But, recently this wonderful figure has been recognized as a matter of anxiety.

• Tube well water is carrying arsenic in toxic level to cause harmful effects to human health.

• Latest survey has shown that around 70 million people are at risk of arsenic poisoning from drinking water.

• Both national and expatriate scientists have expressed their suspicion that regarding arsenic toxicity, Bangladesh may emerge as the most vulnerable country in the world.

More information is available on the BBPA Arsenic Resource Page