Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, emphasized that the severe air pollution in Dhaka, exacerbated by bus emissions, cannot continue.
She announced that old, polluting buses would be removed and scrapped to protect the health of Dhaka's residents.
The well-being of the city’s population cannot be sacrificed for the benefit of a few, and bus owners must act swiftly.
Her remarks came during a press briefing following a discussion on road transport discipline, traffic congestion reduction, and controlling air pollution.
The meeting, held at Bidyut Bhaban, was aimed at addressing critical issues related to Dhaka’s environment and transportation.
Rizwana Hasan revealed that a task force has been created to tackle air pollution in the city.
The task force will focus on controlling dust on roads, repairing damaged infrastructure, and enforcing environmental laws.
Efforts will also be made to reduce pollution from brick kilns, factories, and black smoke from vehicles.
The initiative will align with the Air Quality Management Plan.
In addition, she suggested that Ashulia could be declared a brick kiln-free zone to help further reduce pollution in Dhaka.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has been asked to lower taxes on air purifiers, and efforts will be made to clear encroachments from sidewalks, ensuring people are not harassed while enforcing these laws.
The meeting was chaired by Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, and was attended by various ministry advisors, secretaries, City Corporation officials, bus owners, and other stakeholders.
