Staff Reporter:
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has pledged to intensify efforts to reclaim occupied rivers and forests, and to ban illegal polythene sales and unauthorized brick kilns across Bangladesh.
Speaking on Wednesday evening after inspecting a project in Tangail’s Mirzapur aimed at protecting historical sites, including Kumudini Hospital and Bharateswari Homes, from erosion along the Louhajang River, she emphasized that these initiatives would be pursued at all costs to restore environmental balance.
“No illegal occupiers or powerful groups will be bowed to,” Rizwana said. “With full support from administrative officials, we have launched nationwide operations that will continue until these illegal activities are eradicated.”
She said that forest lands in Tangail, including around 41,000 acres in Madhupur, have been heavily encroached upon by influential groups, and efforts to reclaim these areas are already underway.
Additionally, Rizwana said that the use of polythene is being systematically banned nationwide, and illegal brick kilns are being shut down. No new licenses or environmental clearances are being issued for brick kilns, and the closures will proceed without exception.
During her visit to the Kumudini Complex in Mirzapur, Rizwana was welcomed by local administration officials, as well as students from Bharateswari Homes and the Nursing College.
