Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked the authorities concerned to evict illegal grabbers from the embankments of the rivers including the Buriganga and the Turag surrounding the Dhaka city.
The premier also asked to prevent water contamination by dropping chemical mixed waste and water in the rivers.
Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu was directed to take initiative to stop broadcasting horrific pictures in media.
Primary and Mass Education Minister Mostafizur Rahman admitted the instructions given by the prime minister in the informal meeting after the regular meeting.
“Take immediate steps in this regard to save the children from the impact of such events. The ministry may take steps to amend the broadcasting policy to ensure it, the premier added” the minister told.
The instruction was given to the ministers concerned on Monday after conclusion of the regular cabinet meeting held at the secretariat with the prime minister in the chair.
The ministers concerned assured the prime minister to take immediate steps in this regard, he confirmed.
Earlier, the premier also gave the same instructions in the meetings with the environment ministry and information ministry officials held last few days ago.
The minister said after the meeting the prime minister arose the issue of illegal grabbing of the rivers and water contamination of the rivers across the country including four rivers adjoining the Dhaka city.
Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan informed the meeting that the taskforce on protecting the rivers has been working to remove the illegal grabbers from the river banks. But, they are facing obstacles to remove them as most of them are so influential.
The premier asked the minister and other concerned to take immediate steps against the illegal occupants to evict them from the occupancy whoever they are.
They must be removed from occupancy to save the rivers and river water from contamination. It should be stopped dropping chemical mixed waste and water in the rivers.
She also asked to ensure set up of several central effluent treatment plants (ETP) in the industrial areas of the city to prevent river water contamination by dropping chemical mixed waste and water in the rivers.
The authorities were also suggested to use the climate change fund for the protection of the rivers.
Another minister attended the meeting told the Dhaka Tribune that the prime minister also asked the local government minister and high officials of the division to stop dropping household wastes in the Buriganga and other rivers.
She ordered the authority to start the wastes-based power and fertilizer plants immediately.
The proposals that were already given or have been giving from different interested companies should be considered immediately to start it.
The minister said: “The local government ministry officials informed the prime minister that the city corporation authorities of Dhaka are not interested to supply the household wastes to any private companies. They want to have those in their hands to continue misuse of funds, fuels and vehicles.”