Rangpur: Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, emphasized the importance of taking appropriate measures to keep river water pollution-free and ensure its normal flow.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Syeda Rizwana Hasan highlighted the immense value of rivers in agriculture-dependent Bangladesh during a virtual speech as the chief guest at a workshop on ‘Enforcement of Law with Emphasis on Human Rights and Environment in the Changing Situation of the Country’. The event was held at the Rangpur Divisional Commissioner’s conference room and organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, presided over by the ministry’s Senior Secretary, Nasimul Gani.
The chief guest pointed out that the environment is a valuable asset being affected by unplanned brick kilns and factories that pollute soil, water, and air. Such pollution is adversely impacting the environment and decreasing the average life expectancy of people, which she described as worrying.
On the topic of safe food, Rizwana Hasan mentioned that the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural land threatens food safety. She advocated for raising awareness among farmers about using organic fertilizers and moderate pesticides in food production.
Regarding eco-tourism, she noted the significant potential in the country’s northern region but cautioned against the use of polythene, which destroys soil fertility and negatively affects the environment. She urged authorities to conduct a vigorous campaign to ban polythene usage and close polythene factories.
Bangladesh Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Mohammad Tajul Islam, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, and Special Prosecutorial Adviser of the Ministry of Home Affairs Advocate Ehsanul Haque Samaji also addressed the workshop as special guests. They shared their perspectives on implementing laws and emphasized the importance of human rights and environmental considerations in the country’s changing situation.
The workshop was attended by judges, deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, government officials from eight districts of Rangpur division, and local journalists.