Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has directed all concerned agencies to launch coordinated nationwide action to control air pollution, especially in Dhaka. She made the announcement while presiding over an emergency coordination meeting held today at the Water Development Board building in the capital.
The Advisor stated that the Department of Environment, the City Corporations, BRTA, RAJUK and other relevant agencies will jointly conduct enforcement drives to reduce air pollution in Dhaka. She further warned that no illegal brick kiln will be allowed to operate in Savar, which has been declared a degraded airshed area. Necessary instructions have already been issued to the concerned authorities in this regard.
She also emphasized that building construction and repair works must be carried out under proper covering; otherwise, legal action will be taken. Burning of dry leaves or waste in parks and open spaces must be stopped, and strict action will follow against those responsible for polluting the air through open waste burning.
The meeting was informed that trees and creepers will be planted on road dividers to help absorb pollutants. Additionally, city corporations will regularly spray water on roads to control dust. The Advisor also announced that extensive public awareness campaigns will be undertaken to reduce air pollution.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Mohammad Ejaz, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation; Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works; Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Director General of the Department of Environment; Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests; Md. Khalekuzzaman Chowdhury, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department; senior officials of Bangladesh Police and representatives from relevant ministries and agencies.