Savar: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today announced that Bangladesh is undergoing a series of administrative and legal reforms aimed at enhancing its environmental governance. Speaking at the biennial general meeting of Friends of the Earth International held at BRAC CDM, she emphasized that while progress is being made, significant transformation will require time, ongoing efforts, and political stability.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana Hasan highlighted the challenges faced by the country, noting that Bangladesh currently ranks 179 out of 180 in environmental performance. She explained that such a low ranking cannot be drastically improved overnight. However, with sustained efforts over the next five to seven years, she believes Bangladesh could improve its position to around 73rd, paving the way for further advancements under an elected government.
The adviser pointed out that the current administration inherited a dysfunctional system and the immediate task was to make it operational. "We have only begun that journey and are far from completion," she stated, stressing the importance of continuing these reforms beyond the interim period.
Ensuring justice for victims of political violence is a priority, Rizwana noted, tying it to the significance of the upcoming February elections. She expressed confidence that the elections would see participation from people across all societal sectors.
Rizwana also discussed recent legislative achievements, such as the passage of two pivotal forest laws that prohibit further intervention in natural forests and recognize forest-dependent communities as ecosystem custodians. Additionally, she mentioned the anticipated passage of a wetland protection law.
Addressing the current environmental situation, Rizwana acknowledged that Savar, the conference location, has been officially declared a degraded zone. She spoke of ongoing efforts to target such areas for restoration, despite Bangladesh's persistent air pollution issues. The relocation of pollution-causing brick manufacturing units is part of these efforts, with assurances that affected workers will transition to agriculture-related jobs.
The adviser underscored improvements in Bangladesh's environmental performance indices, attributing these gains to better urban conditions and increased governmental transparency. She noted enhanced communication between the government and citizens, expanded information access, and broader participation and freedom of expression.
The international conference is hosting 85 delegates from 62 countries over eleven days, focusing on these critical environmental issues.