Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, on Saturday affirmed that strict measures will be taken to protect forests and the environment.
She said that action will be taken against illegal occupiers, no matter how influential they may be.
The environmental adviser made these remarks while addressing a discussion on forest and environmental conservation as the chief guest at the Gazipur Deputy Commissioner’s conference room.
The adviser said: “Since August 5, 16 acres of illegally occupied forest land out of 90 acres in Gazipur have already been reclaimed.”
She added: “We know how to work to prevent forest land grabbers. A plan has been formulated to reclaim the occupied land within the next three months. Deputy commissioners have been directed to expedite the process of demarcating forest boundaries.”
She further said: “Necessary steps will also be taken to stop deforestation and industrial pollution. The Department of Environment must thoroughly assess all aspects before issuing clearances, and public opinion must be sought during the renewal process.”
The adviser assured prompt resolution of local environmental issues, forest land grabbing, and pollution problems and urged citizens, alongside government and private organizations, to play an active role in protecting the environment.
Later in the afternoon, she attended the “Youth Conference for River Protection” at the PTI Auditorium in Gazipur City as the chief guest.
The event aimed to raise awareness among the youth about rivers and natural balance while mobilizing their collective strength.
During the discussion meeting, Syeda Rizwana Hasan identified three primary causes of river pollution: industrial waste, municipal and factory sewage, and plastic pollution.
“More than half of Bangladesh’s transportation still relies on waterways. Even rivers that are dying or occupied play a vital role in our movement. However, due to our irresponsible actions, the younger generation faces the catastrophic consequences of climate change,” she said.
She added: “The very future for which we build homes, save money, and acquire resources will suffer the brunt of environmental adversities. Without pollution-free rivers, where will they find water or fish? If fish disappear, will they remain ‘fish-and-rice’ Bengalis, or will they become ‘farm-chicken-and-rice’ Bengalis?”
She pointed out the dire impact of plastic waste, saying: “Plastic accumulates in rivers, forming layers three to six meters thick, making cleanup nearly impossible. The chemicals in these plastics enter rivers, break down into microplastics, and are ingested by fish, eventually entering our bloodstreams and even breast milk. We must control this situation.”
Addressing polythene bags, she urged consumers to refuse them, saying: “When you go to the market, refuse polythene bags from shopkeepers. Say it’s banned since 2022. Why don’t you carry a jute bag like your ancestors? Change starts with us. Let’s eliminate plastic use for our safety.”
On river encroachment, the adviser said: “We must view rivers as vital ecosystems. Can we create rivers? If not, why do we destroy them? No industrial owner has the right to turn rivers into dumping grounds for profit. There’s no alternative to rivers. History shows no one has won against nature. To save rivers, we may have to shut down a few industries.”
Addressing the new generation, she said: “Development must be redefined. Our air is the most polluted globally, and our rivers rank among the most polluted. Development that pollutes air, kills rivers, or harms farmland is not true development.
“It’s time to redefine progress. Don’t glorify malls and flyovers as development. In your definition, let development include clean rivers, forests, and wildlife,” she added.
