Staff Reporter
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, stated that people in Dhaka will not continue to suffer and die from air pollution while buses keep polluting the city. Old and polluting buses in Dhaka will be scrapped. She emphasized that the interests of a few cannot come at the cost of the health of the entire city’s population. Bus owners must take immediate action.

She made these remarks today (Thursday) at a discussion meeting held at the Bidyut Bhaban in the capital. The meeting focused on strengthening discipline in the transport sector, reducing traffic congestion, and controlling air pollution in Dhaka.

Ms. Hasan informed the audience that a task force has been formed to address air pollution. The task force will work to control dust on Dhaka’s roads, repair damaged roads, and enforce laws effectively. Efforts will also be made to reduce pollution caused by dust, black smoke, brick kilns, and factories. She emphasized that all actions will align with the Air Quality Management Plan.

She added that steps are being considered to declare Ashulia a no-brick-kiln zone to control air pollution in Dhaka. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has been requested to reduce taxes on air purifiers. Furthermore, sidewalks must be freed from illegal encroachments. She stressed that while enforcing laws, care must be taken to ensure citizens are not harassed.