Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has said that ensuring an effective sewerage system is essential to transform Dhaka from a brown city into a green and smart metropolis. For this, the installation of septic tanks or Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs) in every building must be made mandatory.
She made these remarks as the chief guest at a stakeholders’ meeting on “Installation of Septic Tanks/STPs in Constructed and Under-Construction Buildings within RAJUK Jurisdiction” held at Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in the capital. The Environment Adviser noted that setting up STPs in hospitals, commercial establishments, and other facilities in Dhaka city is by no means a difficult task.
She further said that although cleaning up the capital’s rivers and canals is a challenge, it is not impossible. She stressed the need for coordinated efforts and behavioral change to stop waste disposal at source. “The problem cannot be solved by dredging alone or by shifting responsibility,” she remarked.
The Adviser emphasized the importance of long-term vision, effective governance, and legal reforms. She expressed hope that with the amendment and effective implementation of the Capital Development Authority Act, Dhaka could be transformed into a modern, clean, and environmentally friendly city.
She also urged the promotion of rooftop gardening, roadside greenery, and park conservation to ensure eco-friendly urban development. At the same time, she underscored the strict enforcement of mandatory septic tank and STP installation in all buildings to prevent direct discharge of waste into rivers and canals.
The meeting was presided over by RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam. Special guests included Mohammad Azaz, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation, and Abdul Matin, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works. Other speakers included RAJUK Member (Planning) Md. Gias Uddin.
The introductory presentation was delivered by RAJUK’s Deputy Urban Planner Saeed Rezaul Haque. Thematic presentations were made by Hasin Jahan, Country Director of WaterAid Bangladesh; Rui Wase, Managing Director of Daiki Axis Bangladesh; and Shafiqul Islam, Chief Executive of Daiki Axis Bangladesh.
Participants at the meeting shared their views on the necessary steps to transform Dhaka into a sustainable and livable city.