Advisor for Environment, Forests, Climate Change and Water Resources, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, said the government is giving top priority to environmental protection in its efforts to build a new Bangladesh.

She made these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled ‘Environment, Climate and Politics in a New Bangladesh’ at Pani Bhaban in Dhaka today.

The seminar included discussions on environmental and climate challenges and opportunities across the country. The National Committee for Citizens organized the event.

Rizwana Hasan said a comprehensive plan is underway to free Dhaka’s canals from encroachment and pollution. To achieve this, a working group has been set up in collaboration with the Ministries of Local Government, Water Resources, Lands and Housing and Public Works, with Dhaka District Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) as the convenor of the group.

The working group includes representatives of various agencies such as the Water Development Board, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, Department of Environment, River Protection Commission and city corporations. They plan to organize a workshop to develop an initial action plan, which will be submitted to the ministry by November 30.

She said, “We aim to start initiatives for forest conservation and pollution control.”

Calling on young people to participate in the fight against climate change, she emphasized the crucial role of young people in protecting the environment.

Rizwana said that in the last two months, 57 districts have submitted proposals for river protection.

She said: “Due to climate change, a third of Bangladesh could go below sea level. Coastal areas within one meter of sea level are exposed to a high risk of submergence”.

Rizwana also expressed concerns about the survival of coastal districts, citing Saint Martin, Kuakata, Mongla, Khulna and Satkhira among the vulnerable areas.

She added, “Except for volcanoes, everything harmful to the environment is present in Bangladesh.”

Talking about the pollution challenges, Rizwana asked rhetorically, “How many years will you give me to tackle this problem? Fifty-three years of waste cannot be solved overnight.”

She expressed her disapproval of shipwrecks as an industry, saying: “The developed world is aware of the negative impact of these activities, which is why they send them to countries like ours.”

Regarding the island of Saint Martin, she pointed out that countries such as Thailand have restricted tourism on coral reefs to protect them. “In Bangladesh, 45% of the coral around Saint Martin has retreated. Our experts advise against allowing tourism there. However, the government, mindful of local interests, allowed limited access. If Saint Martin sinks, what will happen to the people there? “

Special Guest Professor Dr Adil Muhammad Khan, President, Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), said, “The changes of the last 15-20 years cannot be undone in three months. Polluters must be held accountable. We need to question our development models. Some groups are resisting environmental balance in Dhaka by focusing exclusively on development.”

Mohammad Azaz, chairman of the River and Delta Research Center (RDRC), said: “In the last 15 years, the amount of environmental destruction has equaled half of that of the last 53 years. Farmland has been sacrificed for development. The government has caused significant damage to our environment, leading to the loss of water flow in over 500 rivers.”

Ariful Islam Adib, a member of the National Committee for Citizens, said: “Environmentalists must be politically aware. Political parties should agree that those who harm the environment should be disqualified from the elections. The Electoral Commission must amend its laws to ban polluters and invaders. run for office.”