Staff Reporter
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has emphasized that the legal framework and complaint resolution mechanism of the Department of Environment (DoE) will be strengthened to ensure more effective handling of environmental cases. Strict measures will be taken to prevent pollution so that offenders do not escape accountability, ensuring environmental justice.

She made these remarks today (Wednesday) while speaking as the chief guest at a review meeting on the progress of ongoing cases related to the Department of Environment, held at the ministry’s conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting included detailed discussions on the legal challenges and necessary actions concerning environmental cases.

The Advisor stated that legal actions against air, water, and industrial pollution will be further intensified. She emphasized strengthening the magistracy operations of the Department of Environment, enhancing case management efficiency, and ensuring strong representation in court. Additionally, she directed the preparation of an Enforcement Manual to make anti-pollution drives more effective.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and was attended by Md. Khayrul Hasan, Additional Secretary (Development); Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Additional Secretary (Environment); Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Director General of the Department of Environment; Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests; officials from the Solicitor Wing, legal representatives, and other relevant stakeholders. The attendees provided their insights on the challenges in handling environmental cases and strategies for overcoming them.

Later, the Advisor addressed another meeting reviewing the progress of Annual Development Program (ADP) projects for the fiscal year 2024-25. She instructed project directors and relevant officials to ensure timely, proper, and effective implementation of the projects.