Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed relevant authorities to take swift, effective, and coordinated action to prevent the pollution of rivers across the country, including those surrounding the capital. Emphasizing the severity of the crisis, he stated that river pollution has reached an unbearable level and warned that failure to take immediate action would leave the government accountable to future generations.
On thursday (August 6) during a high-level meeting titled "Water and Environmental Development of the Buriganga River," held in the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat the Prime Minister made these remarks. Shahadat Swadhin, Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, briefed the press following the meeting.
Highlighting the urgency, the Prime Minister noted that there is no room for negligence in implementing strict and coordinated measures to stop river pollution. He stressed the necessity of formulating a timely action plan and ensuring its effective implementation.
During the meeting, attendees engaged in detailed discussions regarding the current environmental status, pollution sources, existing challenges, and long-term solutions for the Buriganga, Turag, Balu, Shitalakhya, and other rivers adjacent to the capital.
Uncontrolled discharge of untreated industrial effluent, inadequate sewerage and drainage systems, reduced silt-clogged canal beds, and poor solid waste management were identified as the primary drivers of river degradation.
Key directives issued at the meeting include:
- Ensuring the active and effective operation of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) in industrial facilities.
- Enhancing urban canal networks and drainage infrastructure.
- Conducting regular drives against polluters and strictly enforcing existing environmental regulations.
- Strengthening inter-agency coordination, elevating public awareness, and encouraging civic participation.
The meeting highlighted the critical need for seamless cooperation among key entities, including the Department of Environment, Bangladesh Water Development Board, Dhaka WASA, BIWTA, RAJUK, the Dhaka North and South City Corporations, and local district administrations.
Additionally, the Prime Minister instructed authorities to actively involve environmental organizations, voluntary groups, educational institutions, and local communities in river protection efforts.
To ensure accountability, a decision was taken to form an Inter-Agency Coordination Committee under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The committee will formulate and execute a synchronized, time-bound action plan aimed at preventing river pollution around Dhaka. It will oversee the activities of relevant ministries and agencies and regularly submit progress reports to the PMO.
The high-level meeting was attended by Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir; Minister for Commerce Khandaker Abdul Muktadir; State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam; Commander of the Dhaka Naval Area Rear Admiral Abdullah-Al-Maksus; Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A. B. M. Abdus Sattar; alongside senior officials from related ministries and departments.
Sun News/ Zaman
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