Government forms working group to clean Dhaka’s Canals and protect Environment

The government has set up a special working group to remove encroachments and pollution from Dhaka’s canals, in an effort to restore the city’s natural waterways. 

This initiative is part of a larger plan to protect the environment and promote sustainable development in Bangladesh.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources, spoke about the government‍‍`s focus on environmental protection at a seminar in Dhaka on Thursday. 

The seminar, titled “Environment, Climate, and Politics in a New Bangladesh,” was held at Panibhaban, where experts gathered to discuss the country’s environmental and climate challenges.

During her speech, Rizwana Hasan stressed the importance of involving young people in the fight against climate change. 

She said that young people have a vital role to play in protecting the environment, and their involvement is key to building a better future.

In addition, she revealed that a comprehensive plan is in progress to clean Dhaka’s canals. 

The working group formed for this purpose will work with several government ministries, including Local Government, Water Resources, and Housing. 

The group will also collaborate with various organizations, including the Water Development Board, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, and the Department of Environment. 

The goal is to develop an action plan to clear the canals of illegal constructions and pollution.

The working group, led by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) of Dhaka District, will hold a workshop to create a draft plan. 

The final plan will be submitted to the Ministry by November 30.

The seminar also featured several prominent speakers, including Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, and Mohammad Ejaz, Chairman of RDRC. Other participants included environmentalists, government officials, and youth climate activists. 

They all shared ideas on how to tackle the country’s environmental issues and fight climate change.

Following the seminar, Advisor Rizwana Hasan held a meeting with sustainability alliances to discuss further steps for environmental protection.

This initiative comes as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to build a cleaner and more sustainable Bangladesh for future generations.