Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said coordinated efforts by all relevant ministries, agencies and local government institutions are essential to ensure sustainable solutions for pollution control, effective waste management and environmental protection.
He made the remarks while chairing a ministerial-level discussion on waste management, water pollution and other environmental challenges at the Local Government Division’s meeting room at the Secretariat.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo and State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam attended the meeting.
Mirza Fakhrul said environmental pollution has emerged as one of the country’s major challenges. Rapid urbanisation, unplanned waste management, dumping of waste into rivers and water bodies, and the use of single-use plastics and polythene are putting increasing pressure on the environment.
He said addressing these challenges requires coordinated and planned action instead of isolated initiatives.
The minister also said government efforts alone are not enough to protect the environment, stressing the importance of raising public awareness and encouraging environmentally responsible behaviour.
He particularly highlighted the need for effective measures to reduce the use of harmful polythene bags and promote environmentally friendly alternatives.
Speaking as the guest of honour, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo outlined various initiatives and ongoing activities undertaken by his ministry. He said stronger coordination among government agencies, along with increased public awareness, was necessary for environmental protection.
The meeting discussed issues including water pollution, solid waste management, pollution control, river conservation and measures to restrict the use of environmentally harmful polythene.
Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam, Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan, Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Mohang Shawkat Rashid Chowdhury, and senior officials from relevant ministries, departments and agencies attended the meeting.
Participants stressed the need to further strengthen inter-ministerial coordination to improve waste management, control water and environmental pollution, and ensure a sustainable environment.
