Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized that every citizen of Bangladesh must cultivate environmental awareness to ensure sustainable development. She highlighted that infrastructure and utilities cannot be the sole focus of development, as the health of air and water is crucial for well-being. Rizwana questioned the value of electricity and roads if they come at the cost of polluted air and insufficient greenery.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana made these remarks during a discussion on ‘Reforms in Environmental Governance: Current Context and Future Challenges’ at the Department of Environment (DoE) auditorium in observance of World Environment Day. She advocated for integrating environmental education into the national curriculum, embedding environmental considerations across all ministries, and raising public awareness on environmental issues.
Rizwana stressed that development devoid of environmental safeguards is unsustainable. She urged the need for development that aligns harmoniously with nature. She also highlighted the urgency of recruiting for vacant positions within the DoE, pointing out that project delays necessitate outsourcing in certain domains.
Rizwana expressed concern over budget limitations, stating that the ministry operates with one of the lowest budgets, which hampers effective monitoring, enforcement, and restoration efforts. She warned that restoring damaged nature demands significantly higher investment.
Addressing challenges like illegal brick kilns, human-elephant conflicts, and conservation efforts, Rizwana highlighted the necessity for filling staff vacancies and reforming land and infrastructure laws. She called for funds to support night patrols and the adoption of technology-based online monitoring systems to enhance enforcement.
Rizwana also stressed the need to strengthen the environmental clearance and monitoring system. She pointed out the limitations faced by the legal team, questioning how businesses could operate without environmental clearance when power connections are severed.
The meeting, chaired by DoE Director General Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, featured addresses from various environmental experts, including Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Dr. Tanvir Ahmed, Dr. Khondaker Rashidul Huq, Mukit Majumdar Babu, Abu Hasnat Md. Maksud Sinha, Professor Nur Mohammad Talukder, and Bareesh Hasan Chowdhury. DoE Director Masud Iqbal Md. Shamim presented a keynote paper at the event.