City Desk :
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Ministry of Water resources has emphasised that comprehensive systemic change is necessary to protect Dhaka’s environment. She said, “It is not only individuals who need to change; the overall system of the country must also transform.
We must all be prepared for change and move forward towards it.” She made these remarks yesterday while speaking as the Chief Guest at the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled “Decentralisation and Environmental Welfare of the Capital: Towards a Sustainable Dhaka” held at the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Auditorium, Motijheel, says a press release.
The Adviser announced that a special drive will be launched against industrial pollution and initiatives will be taken to address river pollution around Dhaka. She mentioned that anti-polythene measures have already begun, and due to severe air pollution, Savar has been declared a ‘Degraded Airshed.’ She further said, Building and room designs must be environment-friendly. Rural life represents true sustainability, and the lifestyle of an ideal farmer is the best reflection of sustainable development. Grass must be planted in open spaces.
Government initiatives alone are not sufficient; active public participation is essential. The Adviser noted that the present government is taking several initiatives for sustainable development while involving the people. Calling for a renewed vision for the country, she added, The government will provide direction, but it is the people who must step forward on the path of change. Engr. Md. Reazul Islam, Chairman of RAJUK, attended the event as Special Guest, while Architect Iqbal Habib, Managing Director of Vitti Sthapati Brindo Ltd., presented the keynote paper. The FGD was presided over and moderated by Taskeen Ahmed, President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
Among others, the discussion was attended by Md. Johirul Islam, Chief Executive Officer, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC); Md. Ziaul Haque, Director, Department of Environment (DoE), Government of Bangladesh; Kazi Golam Nasir, Former Chief Architect, Department of Architecture, Ministry of Housing and Public Works; Md. Ashraful Islam, Chief Town Planner, RAJUK; Dr. Md. Shamsul Hoque, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, BUET; Liakat Ali Bhuiyan, Senior Vice President, REHAB; Dilbahar Ahmed, Geographer & Urban Planner, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC); Dr. Adil Mohammad Khan, President, Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP)
