Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today emphasized that reducing air pollution is a complex process influenced by economic capacity, development patterns, communication infrastructure, and the transport system. She highlighted that 30-35 percent of Bangladesh’s air pollution originates from sources outside the country, while 28 percent comes from power plants. A well-defined action plan is essential to control this pollution.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana stated that improving fuel quality and increasing refinery capacity are crucial for checking air pollution. She noted that even neighboring countries with enhanced refineries still face challenges, often ranking among the most polluted cities. Therefore, a long-term strategy is necessary for Bangladesh to combat pollution effectively.
The environment adviser made these remarks as the chief guest at a Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on the Bangladesh Clean Air Project, held at the Department of Environment (DoE), Agargaon. She stressed that merely monitoring and reporting the deterioration of air quality is insufficient and that concrete actions are needed.
She announced that the DoE will launch a hotline for citizens to report air pollution issues during the winter months. Planting trees along road dividers has been observed to reduce dust pollution, especially around the Padma Bridge, she noted. The DoE has been tasked with implementing effective measures to tackle air pollution in the upcoming winter months.
Rizwana called for bold economic decisions, urging strict measures against polluting brick kilns and suggesting that some steel mills may need to suspend operations for 2-3 months during winter to reduce emissions. Enforcing the ban on buses over 20 years old is also crucial.
She stated, “This project must ensure visible improvements in air quality. If we can reduce dust pollution by 13 percent and control industrial emissions, significant progress will be achieved.” Rizwana mentioned that the World Bank has joined the project, and more development partners should be engaged to meet the country’s needs and provide practical solutions for the people.
The event also featured addresses from Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Director General, Department of Environment; Christian Albert Peter, Manager-Environment, World Bank; and Anna Luisa Lima, Senior Environment Specialist, World Bank.