Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has said that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found burning waste in open areas such as Matuail and Aminbazar. Both government and non-government individuals involved in such activities will be identified and held accountable.
She emphasized that construction materials must be covered to reduce air pollution. Sand and other construction materials must be transported in covered trucks; otherwise, action will be taken. To enforce this, magistrates from the Department of Environment, RAJUK, City Corporations, and other relevant agencies will work jointly.
She made these remarks while addressing a stakeholder meeting as the chief guest, held on Wednesday, at the conference room of the Ministry of Environment in the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting focused on coordinated actions to control air pollution in Dhaka city.
The Advisor further stated that service providers must avoid uncoordinated road digging. A “No Brick Field Zone” policy will be implemented. Water must be sprayed on roads and nearby areas to control dust. If rules are violated, special area-based enforcement drives will be conducted.
She added that greening the city is essential. Grass must be planted on road dividers. Effective measures must be taken to reduce air pollution to protect future generations. Public participation will be ensured in all actions.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment. Among others present were Md. Rezaul Maksud Jahedi, Secretary of the Local Government Division; Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works; Engr. Md. Riazul Islam, Chairman of RAJUK; Md. Yasin, Chairman of BRT; Md. Shamim Akhtar, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department; Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Additional Secretary (Environment); and Dr. Kamaruzzaman, Director General of the Department of Environment.
