Dhaka: LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among various ministries, agencies, and local government institutions to effectively tackle pollution control, waste management, and environmental protection. He made these remarks while presiding over a ministerial-level meeting focused on these issues at the Local Government Division of his ministry at Bangladesh Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintu and State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam were also present at the meeting. The Local Government Minister outlined the significant challenges posed by environmental pollution in the country. He attributed these challenges to rapid urbanization, unplanned waste management practices, the indiscriminate dumping of waste into water bodies, and the extensive use of single-use plastics and polythene bags, all contributing to mounting environmental pressures.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stressed that addressing these challenges requires more than isolated initiatives. He called for coordinated and well-planned measures, emphasizing that government efforts alone are insufficient. He advocated for raising public awareness and promoting environment-friendly practices as crucial components in protecting the environment. The minister highlighted the importance of reducing the use of harmful polythene bags and encouraging the adoption of sustainable alternatives.
Abdul Awal Mintu, speaking as the guest of honour, shed light on various initiatives and ongoing programs under his ministry aimed at environmental conservation. He underscored the necessity of strengthening coordination among government institutions and increasing public awareness to effectively protect the environment.
The meeting included detailed discussions on topics such as water pollution, solid waste management, environmental pollution control, river conservation, and measures to curb the use of environmentally harmful polythene. Key participants included Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md. Abdus Salam, Local Government Division Secretary Md. Shahidul Hasan, Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Mohammad Shawkat Rashid Chowdhury, and senior officials from concerned ministries, city corporations, and other relevant departments and agencies. They collectively underscored the importance of enhancing inter-ministerial coordination to improve waste management, curb water and environmental pollution, and ensure a sustainable environment.