Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced plans to strengthen the legal framework and complaint resolution mechanisms of the Department of Environment (DoE) to ensure more effective handling of environmental complaints. She emphasized that strict measures will be implemented to prevent pollution and hold offenders accountable, thereby ensuring environmental justice.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana made these remarks as the chief guest at a review meeting on the progress of ongoing cases related to the DoE, held at the ministry’s conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting featured detailed discussions on the legal challenges and necessary actions concerning environmental cases. The adviser highlighted the need to intensify legal actions against air, water, and industrial pollution.
Rizwana underscored the importance of strengthening the magistracy operations of the DoE, enhancing case management efficiency, and ensuring robust representation in court. She also directed the preparation of an Enforcement Manual to make anti-pollution drives more effective. The meeting, chaired by Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, was attended by numerous officials, including Md. Khayrul Hasan, Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, and other relevant stakeholders. Attendees shared insights on the challenges of handling environmental cases and strategies to overcome them.
Following the review meeting, Rizwana addressed another meeting to evaluate the progress of the Annual Development Program (ADP) projects for the fiscal year 2024-25. She instructed project directors and relevant officials to ensure the timely, proper, and effective implementation of the projects.