Conservation of Biodiversity and Wetlands should be given priority: Syeda Rizwana Hasan
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources, announced that the interim government plans to create a blue network using Dhaka’s canals.
The advisor spoke during the chief guest’s speech at the workshop on “Spatial and Temporal Changes in Dhaka’s Urban Environment, Land Use, and Biodiversity Over the Last 100 Years and Action Plan Development.” CEGIS organized this workshop at Bani Bhavan, Dhaka, recently.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced that the blue network in and around Dhaka city will be established using rehabilitated canals. She emphasized that RAJUK must carry out weekly operations to reclaim illegally occupied canals.
“No injustice can be justified. She also said that operations should be increased if necessary to rescue illegal canals. Grass should be planted in Dhaka’s open spaces with community involvement,” she added.
The environmental advisor said, priority should be given to greening, biodiversity and wetland conservation in the urban planning of Dhaka. Environmentally compatible urban development planning is required. Conservation of greenery and wetlands requires concerted efforts by all departments.
Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bangladesh; Mahmudul Hasan, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation; Major General (Retd.) Md Chiddikur Rahman, Chairman of RAJUK, Amir Hossain Chowdhury, chief forester of the forest department, Bangladesh were spoke at the event.
Representatives of various government and non-governmental organizations, researchers and environmental activists participated in the open discussion. At the end of the workshop, emphasis was placed on joint efforts to protect Dhaka’s environment and biodiversity.
Later, the advisor held a meeting with the leaders of the Rubber Plantation Owners Association. Heard their various statements and assured to take necessary steps.
