Rizwana for stronger enforcement, end to faulty environmental clearances
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today stressed stronger enforcement, institutional capacity, transparency and accountability in environmental regulation, along with an end to faulty clearances.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar, Rizwana, also Adviser of the Ministry of Water Resources, urged officials of the Department of Environment (DoE) to act creatively and fearlessly.
"Enforcement is not just about fines. It must include transparency, alternatives, and community empowerment," she said.
The World Bank organized the seminar titled "Strengthening Environmental Regulatory and Enforcement Capacity for a Sustainable Bangladesh" in Sreepur upazila of the district, said a ministry press release.
On enforcement priorities, the Adviser called for targeting hotspots such as dyeing industries, cement factories, and brick kilns. "We must focus on the worst polluters with proper budgeting and planning. Publish the names of polluters online. With information accessible, citizens will support enforcement against political pressure," she stressed.
She strongly criticized the practice of granting site clearances in ecologically sensitive areas. "Site clearances for waste dumping centers in flood flow zones are irresponsible and legally flawed. Even under political pressure, officials must send objection letters. If you cannot perform your duties, then be transferred - but do not compromise the environment," she said.
The Adviser also emphasized transparency in clearance processes, asking the DoE to publish Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports of all red-category industries on its website and to make public objections part of the decision-making process.
She further called for digitization of complaint handling, creation of a mobile app to track enforcement actions, and stronger collaboration with local administrations to curb forest encroachment and illegal industrial activities.
World Bank's Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan Jean Pesme, former Director General of the Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Museum of Science and Technology Muhammad Munir Chowdhury, Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin, BEST Project Director AKM Rafiqul Islam, and World Bank Bangladesh Environment Specialist Bushra Nishat also spoke on the occasion.
At the end of the seminar, the Adviser distributed certificates among outstanding participants and trainees, urging them to remain committed to safeguarding Bangladesh's environment for future generations.