The government has formed a working group to free Dhaka’s canals from encroachment and pollution as a comprehensive plan is underway to reclaim the water bodies.

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan came up with this disclosure while addressing a seminar titled "Environment, Climate, and Politics in a New Bangladesh" at Panibhaban in Dhaka on Thursday.

She mentioned that a comprehensive plan is underway to free Dhaka’s canals from encroachment and pollution. For this purpose, a working group has been formed in collaboration with the Local Government, Water Resources, Land, and Housing and Public Works Ministries, with the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) of Dhaka District serving as the convener of the group.

The working group includes representatives from various agencies such as the Water Development Board, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, Department of Environment, River Protection Commission, City Corporations, and others. The group will draft an action plan to be submitted to the Ministry by November 30.

She said the government is giving utmost priority to environmental protection in building a new Bangladesh. “We aim to initiate and leave behind significant efforts for forest conservation and pollution control,” she added.

Rizwana highlighted the crucial role of young people in protecting the environment and urged youths to engage in combating climate change.

Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) President Prof Adil Muhammad Khan and River and Delta Research Centre Chairman Mohammad Azaz, among others, spoke on the occasion.