Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today emphasized the need for stronger enforcement, institutional capacity, transparency, and accountability in environmental regulation, urging an end to faulty clearances. Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar, Rizwana, who also serves as Adviser of the Ministry of Water Resources, encouraged officials from the Department of Environment (DoE) to exercise creativity and fearlessness in their roles. "Enforcement is not just about fines. It must include transparency, alternatives, and community empowerment," she stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the World Bank organized the seminar titled "Strengthening Environmental Regulatory and Enforcement Capacity for a Sustainable Bangladesh" in Sreepur upazila. In a ministry press release, Rizwana outlined enforcement priorities, calling for focus on pollution 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 emphasized.
Rizwana criticized the practice of granting site clearances in ecologically sensitive areas, labeling such actions as irresponsible and legally flawed. She urged officials to send objection letters even under political pressure, stating, "If you cannot perform your duties, then be transferred - but do not compromise the environment."
The Adviser stressed the importance of transparency in clearance processes, urging the DoE to publish Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports of all red-category industries on its website and incorporate public objections into decision-making. She further advocated for the digitization of complaint handling, the creation of a mobile app to track enforcement actions, and stronger collaboration with local administrations to curb forest encroachment and illegal industrial activities.
The seminar also featured speeches by 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. At the conclusion of the seminar, Rizwana distributed certificates to outstanding participants and trainees, urging them to remain committed to safeguarding Bangladesh's environment for future generations.