The government has sought the Teesta master plan by October, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said.
She made this statement during a press briefing following a session of the Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Tuesday afternoon.
Regarding the general election, Rizwana said: "This election will be held under a non-partisan government. There is no scope for deputy commissioners (DCs) to have any political affiliation. If any political party lodges a complaint, it will be investigated, and necessary action will be taken."
She further mentioned: "Operations will be conducted to reclaim rivers and forests and to halt hill-cutting. Additionally, the boundaries of the reserved sal forest in Madhupur will be determined, and the area will be freed from encroachment. The conference also discussed the restoration of 51 acres of protected forest in Cox’s Bazar."
On the issue of plastic usage, the adviser said: "Instructions have been given to prohibit the use of single-use plastic in government offices. If the use of polythene is not stopped, the presence of microplastics will increase.
"Microplastics are now being found in breast milk and even in children's brains. Before questioning whether the government is successful or failing, one should consider how much harm polythene is causing us. It is a matter of habit. We are trying to introduce cloth and jute bags in the market through the Ministry of Youth [and Sports]."
When asked about the obstacles in the nationwide canal recovery project, Rizwana responded: "We must operate amidst these challenges. Our officials were humiliated in Chawkbazar. So far, 15 officials of the Forest Department have been physically assaulted. Many people have illegally occupied government land. If asked to vacate, they will naturally resist. However, the public now demands good governance."