National

Oct12024 by No Comments

Advisor for Environment inaugurates ‘Horn-Free Program’ on the 3 km Highway around the Airport

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, stated that to change the long-standing habit of honking, people will first be made aware, and then strict enforcement of the law will follow. Initially, the initiative will focus on key areas, then expand to cover the entire Dhaka city, and eventually, divisional cities will also implement measures to curb noise pollution. She remarked that starting the initiative itself is a success.She made these remarks on Tuesday, October 1, at an event held at the headquarters of the Civil Aviation Authority in Kurmitola, Dhaka. At the event, the 3-kilometer area around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport was declared a ‘Silent Zone’, and the program to make the area horn-free was officially inaugurated. ...

Sep302024 by No Comments

Syeda Rizwana Hasan Stresses Urgent Action on Plastic Waste Management in South Asia

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Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, has called for coordinated efforts among South Asian nations to address the escalating plastic waste crisis.Speaking as the chief guest at a High-Level Roundtable Discussion on "Plastic Waste Management Challenges and Solutions in South Asian Countries," held on Monday at Hotel Intercontinental, Dhaka, she emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach involving sustainable production, effective waste management systems, and heightened public awareness.The Environment Advisor highlighted the growing threat of plastic pollution, noting that despite calls to reduce plastic usage, it is increasing, with microplastics now being consumed through food. She unders...

Sep302024 by No Comments

National Forum of Domestic Workers’ Inaugurated

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The ‘National Forum of Domestic Workers’ has been inaugurated at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) with the participation of 200 domestic workers demanding inclusion in labour laws and recognition as ‘labour’. The event was organized by Dushtha Shasthya Kendra (DSK), with the support of Oxfam in Bangladesh.The forum aims to ensure the rights of domestic workers at local and national levels, implement the Protection and Welfare Policy for Domestic Workers 2015, and advocate for the recognition of domestic workers as " labour" within labour laws. Under the 'Suniti' project, this non-political forum will be independently run by domestic workers. Comprising 200 members and a committee of 21, the forum will work with 16,000 domestic workers in Dhaka and gradually expand its activit...

Sep292024 by No Comments

World Bank to Provide $300 Million for Bangladesh Clean Air Project: Syeda Rizwana Hasan

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Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources, announced that the World Bank will provide USD 300 million to support the Bangladesh Clean Air Project (BCAP). This initiative aims to strengthen air quality management and reduce emissions from key sectors. The project will be funded by an IDA credit, along with a potential grant for clean cooking initiatives as part of the National Air Quality Management Plan.The advisor shared this news following a high-level meeting held at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, where Martin Raiser, Vice President of the World Bank South Asia Region, and Abdoulaye Seck, World Bank's Country Director for Bangladesh met her on Sunday, 29 September.During the meeting, the Envi...

Sep282024 by No Comments

Government Plans Blue Network Using Dhaka’s Canals

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Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, stated that the government plans to create a blue network using Dhaka's canals. The network will be established through the canals that can still be recovered.The advisor emphasized that RAJUK should conduct weekly operations to reclaim illegally occupied canals. She also mentioned that no wrongdoing should be legalized, and operations should be intensified if necessary. Additionally, she highlighted the need to plant grass in Dhaka’s open spaces and involve the community in this effort.She made these remarks as the chief guest at a workshop titled “Spatial and Temporal Changes in Dhaka City's Urban Ecosystem, Landscape and Biodiversity over the Past 100 Years...

Sep262024 by No Comments

JETnet-BD has been launched

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Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD), the largest energy network in the country, has been launched to achieve a sustainable and just energy transition in the country. The network includes 75 civil society organizations (CSOs), national and international development organisations, local organisations, energy experts and environmentalists. The opening ceremony was held today at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka.A 23-member advisory panel, including Dr. Mohammad Tamim — Dean of the Faculty of Chemical and Materials Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Ijaz Hossain, former Professor of Chemical Engineering Department, Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and Shafiqul Alam, Lead Energy Analyst at th...

Sep252024 by No Comments

Bangladesh to Initiate Negotiations with India on Shared River Water Rights Soon: Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Water Resources Advisor

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Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, announced that Bangladesh will soon take steps to engage in negotiations with India regarding its water rights and share of the common rivers.The negotiations will be held after considering public input, and the outcomes will be shared with the people. She emphasized that while the issue of sharing international river waters is complex, the exchange of essential information, such as rainfall data and the location of structures, is critical and should not be politicized. This exchange can help prevent damage to lives and property.On Wednesday, 25 September 2024, Syeda Rizwana Hasan made these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Bangladesh's Fair Share ...

Sep252024 by No Comments

Youth’s Demand to Strengthen Tobacco Control Law

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Youth Forum of Dhaka Ahsania Mission has called for strengthening tobacco control laws to build a healthy and tobacco-free young generation. This demand was raised on the final day of a two-day training workshop, organized by Dhaka Ahsania Mission on Wednesday (25th September 2024). The training aimed to enhance the future young leaders' strategies, capacity building, and leadership development in tobacco control. The event was graced by the presence of Prof. Dr. Md. Ashraful Haque, Vice-Chancellor of Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, and Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Lead Policy Advisor of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK). In his keynote address, Professor Dr. Md. Ashraful Haque emphasized that to create a tobacco-free future generation; young people must be protected from ...

Sep242024 by No Comments

Polythene bags to be banned in markets from November 1: Environment Advisor Rizwana Hasan

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Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, announced that polythene and polypropylene bags will be banned in all supermarkets from October 1 and in all markets from November 1. To enforce the existing ban on the use of such bags, legal measures will be implemented from October 1 in supermarkets and from November 1 in markets. Additionally, actions will be taken against polythene producers from November 1. The advisor mentioned that everyone has sufficient time, and the government is also working on providing alternatives.Environment Advisor made these announcements during a discussion meeting on the challenges and possibilities of banning polythene shopping bags, held at the office of the Mohammadpur Town Hall Market Traders' Association. ...

Sep242024 by No Comments

Government to take immediate action to prevent river erosion: Syeda Rizwana Hasan

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Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has announced that immediate measures will be taken to prevent river erosion. She stated that efforts are underway to protect farmland and alleviate the hardships of flood-affected communities. The government is also providing assistance to farmers and agricultural workers affected by recent floods. She emphasized the importance of addressing these issues from the people's perspective, urging collaboration between the government and citizens to find solutions.She made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a public hearing on flood and erosion, held at the District Commissioner’s office in Noakhali on Monday, September 23.The advisor further noted...