Government Prioritizes Environmental Protection to Build a New Bangladesh: Environmental Adviser

The Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, stated that the government is giving utmost priority to environmental protection in building a new Bangladesh. She remarked, We aim to initiate and leave behind significant efforts for forest conservation and pollution control. Urging youth to engage in combating climate change, she highlighted the crucial role of young people in protecting the environment.

She made these comments as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Environment, Climate, and Politics in a New Bangladesh" held on Thursday at Panibhaban in Dhaka. The seminar featured discussions on environmental and climate challenges and opportunities across the country.

The Advisor also mentioned that a comprehensive plan is underway to free Dhaka’s canals from encroachment and pollution. For this purpose, a working group has been formed in collaboration with the Local Government, Water Resources, Land, and Housing and Public Works Ministries, with the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) of Dhaka District serving as the convener of the group.

The working group includes representatives from various agencies such as the Water Development Board, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, Department of Environment, River Protection Commission, City Corporations, and others. They will organize a workshop to draft an initial action plan, and the finalized plan will be submitted to the Ministry by November 30.

Special guests at the event included Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), Mohammad Ejaz, Chairman of RDRC, Ariful Islam Adib of the National Citizens Committee, and Iftekhar Mahmud, special correspondent of Prothom Alo. Government officials, environmentalists, and young climate activists participated, exchanging views on various aspects of environmental and climate issues.

Later, Advisor held meeting with sustainability alliances.