Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury has said buses that are older than 20 years, which have exceeded their economic life, should be withdrawn from the streets of Dhaka to curb air pollution.
“To this end, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) will send a list of outdated buses operating in Dhaka city by April 8,” he told a meeting on Sunday.
The transport owners’ association will provide a plan to remove these buses by April 20, the minister said, warning that there will be no compromise in this regard in the greater interest of the nation.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change arranged the meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
Speaking at the meeting, Saber Hossain Chowdhury said the budget allocation for pollution control in government development projects should be spent on pollution control.
Titus Gas, Power Division, Wasa and City Corporations together will take up development plans related to road excavation, he said.
Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation has to stop importing diesel containing sulphur, while city corporations shall take necessary measures to ensure that waste is not burnt in open spaces, the environment minister said.
He said Rajuk, city corporations and the police will ensure the covering of construction materials during construction work.