Govt advancing sustainable development through public participation: Rizwana

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said the present government is actively pursuing sustainable development through a range of initiatives and by engaging citizens in the process.

To this end, she called upon the people to rethink the nation's future, saying that while the government will offer direction, meaningful change requires collective action from all.

Rizwana, also the adviser of the ministry of water resources, made these remarks as the chief guest at a focus group discussion (FGD) titled "Decentralization and Environmental Welfare of the Capital: Towards a Sustainable Dhaka," held at the auditorium of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in Motijheel, said a press release.

Highlighting the importance of eco-friendly architectural design, she said that rural ambience is inherently sustainable, and the lifestyle of an ideal farmer reflects the essence of sustainable development. 

She stressed the need for green open spaces, saying government initiatives alone are insufficient and active public participation is essential. 

The Adviser further said that a transformation of the country's overall system is necessary, and everyone must be prepared to embrace change and move forward. 

She revealed that a crackdown on industrial pollution will be launched and special measures will be taken to prevent pollution in the rivers surrounding Dhaka. 

Mentioning that Savar has been declared a 'Degraded Airshed', she said that the anti-polythene campaign has already begun. 

RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam spoke as a special guest. 

With President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Taskin Ahmed presiding and moderating the FGD, the keynote paper was presented by Managing Director of Vitti Sthapati Brindo Ltd, Architect Iqbal Habib.

Chief Executive Officer of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Md. Zahirul Islam, Director of the Department of Environment (DoE), Md. Ziaul Haque, Former Chief Architect of the Department of Architecture, Kazi Golam Nasir, Chief Urban Planner of RAJUK, Md. Ashraful Islam, Professor of Civil Engineering at BUET, Dr. Md. Shamsul Haque, Senior Vice President of REHAB, Liakat Ali Bhuiyan, Geographer and Urban Planner at Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Dilbahar Ahmed and President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), Dr. Adil Mohammad Khan, among others, also spoke.

They shared their views on decentralisation of Dhaka, environmental protection, and sustainable urban development. 

They said that integrated planning and strong policy implementation are essential to ensure the long-term welfare of the city.