Describing the grave consequences of polythene pollution, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called for the use of environmentally friendly alternatives such as jute, paper, and cloth. She made this appeal today during a media briefing following her visit to the Tree Fair and Environment Fair in Dhaka.
The Adviser informed journalists that enforcement efforts against banned polythene products are ongoing, and all superstores have now become 100% polythene-free. A national action plan is being implemented to discourage the use of 17 types of single-use plastic items, and to gradually phase them out. The government is also actively promoting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) principles to curb plastic pollution.
Earlier in the day, at a ceremony held at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, the Honourable Chief Adviser to the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, officially inaugurated World Environment Day 2025, the Environment Fair, the National Tree Plantation Campaign, and the National Tree Fair 2025. The Environment Fair will run from 25 to 27 June, while the Tree Fair will continue until 24 July. Both fairs will remain open to the public every day from 9 AM to 9 PM.
In a PowerPoint presentation, Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing and priority initiatives. She noted that reforms are underway to update key environmental laws including the Forest Act of 1927, the Environmental Conservation Act of 1995, and the Biodiversity Act, in order to enhance transparency, efficiency, and administrative capacity. A feasibility study is also being conducted for the creation of a wildlife conservation trust fund.
The Adviser shared that a finalized list of all rivers in the country has been prepared to support river conservation. A “Blue Network” plan has been developed for the Turag River and three other rivers in Dhaka, along with 20 canals. Restoration efforts have started for 15 rivers including the Baral, Karatoa, and Sutang. A new initiative titled the “River Health Card” is also being introduced to monitor the health of rivers.
In terms of forest conservation, projects are underway to restore the Madhupur Sal Forest and Chunati Forest. A total of 11,459 acres of forestland has been reclaimed from illegal encroachment. Sonadia coastal forest and two wetlands in Rajshahi have been declared protected areas. Efforts are also ongoing to designate “No-Brickfield Zones” to control illegal brick kilns, and operations have been launched to phase out outdated vehicles.
The Adviser further mentioned several major initiatives including: a proposal to create a separate cadre for the Department of Environment; the introduction of an online environmental monitoring system; the establishment of a Wildlife Wing within the Forest Department; and the provision of risk allowances for forest workers. Since last August, 1,717 acres of forestland have been recovered, and 2,000 illegal brick kilns have been shut down. Use of concrete blocks is now mandatory in construction to reduce environmental damage.
To enhance forest conservation and expansion, the government is implementing a wide range of activities including sal forest protection, the SUFAL project, social forestry, the formation of teams to protect endangered wildlife, community development programs for forest-dependent people, and the organization of a Wildlife Olympiad.
Referring to this year’s World Environment Day theme, “Say No to Plastic Pollution,” and the slogan, “Say No to Plastic Pollution—The Time to Act is Now,” Adviser Rizwana Hasan described it as timely and said, “Bangladesh has already taken bold steps nationally and internationally to control plastic pollution.”
She concluded her statement by saying, “Environmental protection is not just a responsibility—it is a question of our survival. This initiative will inspire all of us to become more aware and proactive.”
The ceremony was attended by members of the Advisory Council, Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, other government secretaries, representatives from various countries and international organizations, the Director General of the Department of Environment, the Chief Conservator of Forests, government officials, national awardees in wildlife conservation, tree plantation, and environment, representatives from civil society, media personnel, and youth representatives.
During the event, awards and recognitions were presented to individuals and institutions for their contributions to environmental conservation, tree planting, and wildlife protection. After the award ceremony, the Environment Adviser cut the ribbon to officially enter the Tree and Environment Fair grounds and visited various stalls. She later briefed the press.