DHAKA: The government will soon form a task force aimed at addressing air pollution, as part of ongoing efforts to tackle environmental challenges, according to Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser. The task force will operate until the next monsoon season, focusing on reducing pollution levels in Dhaka and its surrounding areas during the dry period.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana disclosed these plans during an inter-ministerial meeting at the Local Government Division’s conference room in the Secretariat. The meeting concentrated on strategies to combat air pollution, including declaring certain areas as “No Brickfield Zones” and removing old vehicles from the streets within six months. Additionally, police have been instructed to prevent open trucks from entering the capital.
Efforts to address the sources of air pollution were highlighted, with measures being implemented to control dust from construction, emissions from brick kilns, and vehicle exh
aust. The importance of public awareness, law enforcement, and improved monitoring systems was emphasized. Stakeholders were instructed to spray water to minimize dust, cover construction materials, and utilize protective barriers.
Regular use of vacuum trucks for road cleaning, prompt repairs, and planting grass along roadsides were also recommended. The burning of waste is to be banned, and designated waste disposal areas ensured. Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Adviser for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, stressed the need for integrated efforts to enhance the country’s environmental quality, including recovering canals and developing open spaces as playgrounds.
The meeting, chaired by the Acting Secretary of the Local Government Division, included officials from various ministries, agencies, and expert representatives. It concluded with a decision to implement effective laws for pollution control and conduct regular monitoring, alongside taking all necessary steps to manage dust.