Staff Reporter

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced that the World Bank will intensify its cooperation with Bangladesh in controlling pollution. Following a meeting with Abdoulaye Seck, Country Director of the World Bank for Bangladesh and Bhutan, she disclosed that the Department of Environment has been instructed to compile a list of the most polluted rivers and the companies responsible for pollution.
Environment Advisor emphasized that even small-scale projects will be undertaken to protect the rivers, regardless of their financial scope. Additionally, the World Bank will engage in awareness-raising initiatives with students to foster environmental consciousness. Restoration of canals has already begun, and canal and reservoir rescue operations are scheduled to start next week.
The Advisor also addressed the interim government’s plans to discuss Bangladesh’s rights over common rivers, including the Teesta, with India. She stressed the importance of understanding the expectations of the people living along the Teesta and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to asserting its rights while maintaining friendly relations with India. These issues, she added, will be brought to the attention of international communities, with no hesitation in advocating for Bangladesh’s rights.
Following the meeting held Wednesday, Syeda Rizwana Hasan briefed the media at the Bangladesh Secretariat, highlighting the key points of her discussion with the World Bank official.
Secretary, Additional Secretary and other senior officials from ministry and the World Bank were present in the occasion.