Lawyers and speakers urged the government and departments concerned to put emphasis on the implementation of environmental laws and court rulings at a book unveiling and discussion event organized by Waterkeepers Bangladesh Consortium on Tuesday.
Mohammad Golam Sarwar, assistant professor, Department of Law, Dhaka University, and Bangladesh Supreme Court Advocate Dr Saida Nasreen jointly unveiled a 105-page compilation book, titled "An Analysis of the Legislative Landscape and Court Orders on Air, Noise, and Water Pollution”, at the event.
Attorney General Abu Mohammad Amin Uddin was present as the chief guest while Prof Shima Zaman, dean of the Faculty of Law of Dhaka University, was present as a special guest. Waterkeepers Bangladesh Consortium Lead Sharif Jamil presided over the event.
Attorney General Abu Mohammad Amin Uddin said: "One of our responsibilities is to preserve the ecosystem. Environmental protection is given the weight it deserves by courts. No country can develop without environmental development.”
USAID Bangladesh Democracy, Human Rights and Governance Deputy Director Raymond Johansen said there is no alternative to protecting the environment.
Sharif Jamil said: “The government is making efforts to safeguard rivers and their surrounding areas. Though unwise, action is being taken. There are laws and policies, but there is not adequate planning or implementation. Environment protection will be challenging if this condition does not change.”
Stamford University Environmental Science Department President Prof Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumdar was also present at the program.
