Chattogram: Forest, Environment and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has reiterated her call for the Chattogram district administration to arrest hill owners instead of workers on charges of hill cutting. This directive was issued during her speech as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the 26-day Amar Ekushey Book Fair organized by Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) at M A Aziz Stadium Gymnasium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana Hasan emphasized the importance of protecting Chattogram’s natural assets, which include seas, mountains, and forests. She noted that the Deputy Commissioner has divided Chattogram city into six zones, each supervised by a committee responsible for filing cases against hill owners when incidents of hill cutting are detected. Rizwana expressed her hope that arresting owners would deter the illegal activity and protect the city’s unique environmental heritage.
Speaking further, Rizwana Hasan highlighted the national responsibility to preserve Chattogram’s natural beauty, likening it to the pollution challenges faced by Dhaka. She emphasized that the conservation of these resources is a collective responsibility and not for individual gain. The adviser envisions Chattogram as a source of national pride, advocating for efforts to create an environmentally friendly and safe city.
The event was presided over by City Mayor Dr. Shahdat Hossain, with speeches from Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanom, Dainik Azadi Editor M A Malek, and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Nazneen Kawser Chowdhury. Additionally, Rizwana Hasan presented the Ekushey Memorial Honorary Medal and Literary Award to 14 distinguished personalities for their contributions to various fields.