Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has urged the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other development partners to assist Bangladesh in making a successful example of river restoration . Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "River Restoration: Lessons for Bangladesh", held at Pani Bhaban in Dhaka on Sunday, she highlighted that even polluted rivers can be transformed into sources of drinking water, as seen in different countries. She stressed the need for restoring entire river connection systems instead of focusing on isolated rivers, saying, “Chromium pollution from tanneries is a major challenge for the Buriganga River.” She called for immediate, practical actions instead of drafting policies and plans and proposed a clear action plan, backed by ADB, utilising institutions like the National River Protection Commission, the River Research Institute, and the Institute of Water Modelling. Shipbreaking must not continue at the expense of human lives: Rizwana Announcing the formation of a task force, she pledged to reclaim and decontaminate at least one river with ADB's support. She said, “The ongoing revision of the 1999 Water Policy and the Delta Plan will serve as a framework for future river restoration. The Water Resources Planning Organization (WRPO) has already prepared an action plan for restoring rivers in the valley.” “The Department of Environment’s director general has been instructed to issue notices to polluters, and the government has expressed readiness to assist industries in implementing pollution control measures,” she added. Youth rally at CU: Crisis won't be resolved if investment in renewable energy not increased quickly  Additionally, Rizwana Hasan mentioned that the government has compiled a complete list of river encroachers and called for effective steps to prevent plastic pollution in rivers. She pointed out that traditional dredgers cannot remove plastic waste from riverbeds, necessitating specialised equipment and urged the formation of a working committee, led by the Ministry of Water Resources and including relevant ministries and experts, to address these issues. The seminar was chaired by Dr Farhina Ahmed, secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Govt launches cleaning drive to protect St. Martin’s ecosystem Key attendees included Mohammad Ejaz, newly appointed administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation; Hoe Yun Jeong, ADB’s resident representative in Bangladesh; and Nazmul Ahsan, Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called for urgent, scalable climate adaptation actions. “As a nation, we bear the responsibility of protecting our people—whether foreign funds and investments are available or not. This is why Bangladesh created the Climate Change Trust Fund, allocating a portion of our national budget to tackle climate challenges,” she said while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop on Thursday. Standard Chartered Bank organised the workshop on “Catalyzing Climate Adaptation Actions at Scale and Mobilizing Investments” at The Westin, Dhaka on Thursday. “Adaptation is essential, but it does not give us a license to continue with flawed economic models that contribute to climate change,” added the adviser. Reducing air pollution time-consuming process: Rizwana “At COP29, we saw financial commitments, but if funds arrive too late or come in the form of loans, they may worsen our financial burden instead of offering solutions,” Rizwana also said. She commended the workshop’s unique approach, bringing together lenders and bilateral partners to discuss effective climate financing. “Many climate-affected people are unaware of the discussions taking place in rooms like this. Connecting investors with ground realities is crucial to ensure meaningful, sustainable interventions,” the environment adviser said. “From Dhaka to Los Angeles, the world must learn that humans cannot dominate nature—we must live in harmony with it,” she said. Survival depends on clean air and water, not on material possessions: Rizwana “Despite facing severe hardships, Bangladesh’s farmers have never gone on strike. They continue to feed the nation. It is our responsibility to support them by connecting local solutions with expert knowledge and new technologies,” she added. British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner; United Nations Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis and Asian Development Bank Country Director Hoe Yun Jeong spoke at the event, among others.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said reducing air pollution is a time-consuming process dependent on economic capacity, development patterns, communication infrastructure, and the transport system. Thirty to 35% of Bangladesh’s air pollution originates from foreign sources, while 28% comes from power plants, underscoring the need for a well-defined action plan to control pollution, she said while speaking as the chief guest at a Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on the Bangladesh Clean Air Project on Wednesday. The workshop was held at the Department of Environment in Dhaka’s Agargaon. Rizwana, US Charge d’Affaires discuss critical environmental challenges Reducing air pollution is impossible without improving fuel quality and increasing refinery capacity. Even neighbouring countries that have enhanced their refineries still struggle with air pollution, often ranking among the most polluted cities. Therefore, Bangladesh must adopt a long-term strategy to combat pollution effectively, the adviser said. For the Clean project to be meaningful, tangible progress in pollution reduction must be visible. Merely monitoring and reporting the deterioration of air quality is not enough; concrete actions must be taken. The Department of Environment will launch a hotline where citizens can report air pollution issues during the winter months, added Rizwana. Adviser Rizwana urges unified global action to tackle climate change "This project must be designed in a way that ensures visible improvements in air quality. If we can reduce dust pollution by 13% and control industrial emissions, we will make significant progress,” she said. The World Bank has already joined the project, and more development partners should be engaged to ensure that it meets the country's real needs and provides practical solutions for the people, Rizwana also said. Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr Md Kamruzzaman, and World Bank Manager-Environment Christian Albert Peter spoke at the event, among others.

China and India will be requested to ensure that planned dams on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh and near the Tibet border are constructed without compromising Bangladesh’s interests, said Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. “We have formally sought information from China regarding their hydropower project near Tibet. They assured us that lower riparian countries will not be adversely affected. However, we have sought further data through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,”she said responding to a journalist’s question after attending a board meeting at the River Research Institute’s circuit house. Rizwana, US Charge d’Affaires discuss critical environmental challenges Padma and Teesta rivers are already experiencing reduced water flow and if the Brahmaputra’s flow is reduced, the riverine nature of Bangladesh will face severe challenges, she said. Syeda Rizwana shared directives given to the River Research Institute to expand its scope and visibility. Among these are identifying pollution levels in industrial zones and pinpoint GPS locations of contamination in major rivers around Dhaka. “This approach will reduce reliance on external funding for tackling river pollution. The institute has also been instructed to assess the ecological impacts of sand extraction from rivers,” she added. Following the briefing, the adviser inspected the institute’s operations. Among those present were River Research Institute Director General SM Abu Huraira, Water Development Board Director General Tahmidul Islam, Shipping Ministry Secretary Mohammad Yusuf, and Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Kamrul Hasan Molla. Adviser Rizwana urges unified global action to tackle climate change China recently approved the construction of the world’s largest dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet’s Medog County, near the border with India. The project, described as China's most ambitious, was officially announced in 2020. In response, Indian officials began exploring the possibility of building a counter-dam to address potential disruptions caused by China's project.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called for rising above narrow-mindedness to build a democratic, non-discriminatory and inclusive Bangladesh. She emphasised that the sacrifices made during the July Uprising by students set a powerful example for reshaping the nation. Speaking at the inauguration of a special exhibition, organised by Prothom Alo, on the July Uprising at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Friday, Rizwana said, "This movement proves that the fall of violent dictatorships is inevitable. The courage demonstrated by the student community during the July-August uprising is unparalleled. As a nation, we must honour their sacrifice by building a Bangladesh where democracy, rights and equality thrive." She expressed heartfelt solidarity with the students who bore the brunt of the struggle. “Many students who dreamed of becoming cricketers or footballers have suffered life-altering injuries, including blindness. Despite our efforts, we cannot restore their lost eyesight, but we can ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten," she said. Survival depends on clean air and water, not on material possessions: Rizwana Highlighting the importance of unity, Rizwana urged all to work collectively, leaving behind organisational and individual biases, to achieve the dreams of future generations. “Building a safe and equitable Bangladesh will be the true tribute to those who paved the way with their lives,” she added. Social Welfare Adviser Sharmin S Murshid also addressed the event, acknowledging past failures to fulfil the aspirations of the student community. "Now is the time to build Bangladesh in line with their dreams. It is a collective responsibility," she said. British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook and Prothom Alo Executive Editor Sajjad Sharif also spoke at the event. Following the inauguration, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman joined other guests to see the exhibition. The exhibition, showcasing artifacts and accounts from the July Uprising, will remain open to the public until January 31, from 12pm to 8pm daily and from 3pm to 8pm on Fridays.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Monday said the country’s hilly districts have been neglected in the climate change interventions, though the areas face a devastating impact. “When we talk about climate change and adaptation, yes, we do talk about Cox’s Bazar and the coastal areas….. We really don’t talk about the hill areas where the climate changes also have a devastating impact,” she said. The environment adviser made this remark while addressing the national-level launching event of a project titled “USAID Host and Impacted Community Resilience Activity” at Hotel InterContinental here. This five-year US$ 70,199-activity will be implemented in four districts --Cox’s Bazar and three Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT) districts-- to empower the communities to improve well-being and resilience. Polythene ban must be implemented for better future: Adviser Rizwana Noting that this project is a very important intervention, she thanked the US government and USAID for coming forward to support the people of a region whose names are really not mentioned much in the climate change talks. Rizwana said the country’s natural resources-rich three CHT districts and Cox’s Bazar should be seen as areas of potential, not problems. “The natural resources rich areas like Cox’s Bazar and the hilly districts of Bangladesh should actually be seen not as areas of problems but as areas of potential. Regrettably because of different interventions and geopolitics over the decades we have turned them into areas of conflicts and areas of problems,” she said. Rizwana, also the Water Resources Adviser, said the Department of Public Health and Engineering claimed they supply water to 63 percent of the population in Rangamati, 61percent in Bandarban and 78 percent in Khagrachhari. “If we accept this government-given statistics true, then also a huge number of people are left behind and are not getting access to public water supply,” she said, adding that the USAID project that talks about the supply of water will have a very positive impact on those who are left behind and those who are not covered by the government’s network. Youth must lead in protecting environment and nature: Adviser Rizwana Citing that the restaurants of indigenous food in Dhaka are pretty popular, the adviser said in this era of internet and increased tourism, the people of Bangladesh have a quiet taste of indigenous food and that is a way of showing respect to their culture. She said the indigenous food, cloth, jewelry and food production system can actually be assisted to find a place in the mainstream markets. Chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in Dhaka Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson said Cox’s Bazar and CHT areas are important regions that have tremendous natural beauty and resources and very rich coastal heritages and also regions that face challenges – challenges from natural disasters like cyclones and flooding. These challenges prevent the people from achieving economic outcomes in food security and in educational outcomes they want, she said. Jacobson said the influx of Rohingyas to this area has put pressure on local infrastructures and local resources and complicated the problems. “Developing sustainable solutions requires us to work together and leverage local expertise to lead the way. This is why we are bringing together partners from government, business, civil society, and most importantly – community members – and equipping them with the skills and resources they need to build brighter and more prosperous futures for themselves,” she said. President of Friends in Village Development Bangladesh (FIVDB) Dr Manzoor Ahmed delivered the welcome speech at the function. Plan to revive 19 canals in Dhaka finalised: Rizwana The USAID Host and Impacted Community Resilience Activity 2024-2029, to be implemented by local organization FIVDB, will provide people with job skills training and economic opportunities, improve access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation and hygiene, and prepare host communities to better mitigate the effects of natural disasters. The initiative will also bring host and impacted communities together with local authorities to protect over 35,000 hectares of land and conserve the area’s precious natural resources. This new programme builds upon U.S. government support for host communities in Bangladesh as part of more than $2.5 billion in assistance for the regional Rohingya response since August 2017, which includes more than $2.1 billion of support for refugees and host and impacted communities in Bangladesh. Under the Host and Impacted Community Resilience Activity, FIVDB will lead a consortium of partners comprised of Nature Conservation Management (NACOM), DevWorks International, Helen Keller International, Christian Aid, and the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation alongside local organizations from the Chittagong Hill Tracts that includes ANANDO, ASHIKA Development Associates, and Bolipara Nari Kalyan Somity to implement this activity.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that the recent comments made by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir regarding the upcoming national election were political in nature and not indicative of any rift between the BNP and the government. Responding to journalists’ questions during a press conference at the Secretariat on the progress of the "Natural Capital Mapping" initiative, Rizwana said that there was no gap between them. Fakhrul had called on the interim government to take action for holding the national election between July and August. DoE fines over Tk 24 lakh, closes 9 brick kilns for polluting environment Rizwana said, “This is not a question of a gap. If you observe the whole process, the reform commissions are working, and all political parties, including the BNP, have provided written opinions. Therefore, they have accepted the idea of reforms. They have been saying from the beginning that reforms are necessary.” She also said, “Any political party can make its political statement. They have an audience, and they will speak their mind. There is no issue of a gap here. The statements made by political parties are their political statements. There is no room for conflict here.” The adviser added that decisions will be reached through discussions, and that Fakhrul's comments should be viewed as those of a political party spokesperson, while the government's stance was from their official position. The adviser also said that discussions with political parties are expected to begin by mid-February. When asked about talks with the Jatiya Party, she mentioned that several issues, including reforms, the election roadmap, and the demand for justice, were being addressed concurrently.  Formal talks with political parties over reforms likely in Feb: Rizwana Regarding Bangladesh's water rights, the adviser reaffirmed the country’s commitment to protecting its interests over shared rivers. With the Ganges treaty set to expire soon, she announced that efforts to extend it until 2026 were underway, with discussions planned with India. On the matter of the Teesta master plan, Rizwana raised concerns about public understanding of the plan. She asserted that consultations with local people would be held starting next month to ensure their concerns were reflected in the plan, irrespective of its specific title. Taskforce to work with time-bound action plan to address air pollution : Syeda Rizwana Lastly, responding to a question about the ongoing efforts to bring Sheikh Hasina back from India, Rizwana said that the Indian position, based on available information, indicated that she would not be returned. An official response will be provided once received.

Rooftop gardens are vital for ensuring chemical-free food and improving air quality in urban areas, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said on Sunday. Turning Dhaka's rooftops into green spaces can reduce carbon emissions, regulate temperatures and enhance air quality, offering residents a healthier environment, she said at a seminar titled “Importance of Rooftop Gardens in Reducing Global Warming” held at the Jatiya Press Club. Rooftop gardens not only benefit the environment but also contribute to mental health and food security, said the adviser. Govt finalises plan for Swatch of No-Ground to protect marine biodiversity: Rizwana Dispelling concerns about structural risks, the adviser described fears of roof collapses as misconceptions. “Rooftop gardens are an effective solution in the fight against global warming," she said, adding that the government has initiated various measures to promote such practices which are actively raising public awareness. The seminar was chaired by Motaleb Mashreki from Dhaka-based organisation Shekar. Special guests included Jatiya Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan, Greenwatch Dhaka Editor Mostafa Kamal Majumder, agriculturist Dr Mehedi Masud, rooftop gardening movement pioneer Golam Haider and National Press Club member Momin Hossain. Environment Adviser seeks Chinese cooperation in air quality management Awards and saplings were distributed among rooftop gardeners during the event and the adviser planted saplings on the Jatiya Press Club premises after the seminar.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has recovered 16 acres of illegally occupied forest land in Gazipur since August 5 out of a total of 90 acres marked for reclamation, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said. She said this while addressing a discussion on forest and environmental conservation at the conference room of the Gazipur Deputy Commissioner’s office on Saturday. “No matter how powerful the illegal occupants are, strict action will be taken against them,” Rizwana said. Old, polluting buses in Dhaka to be scrapped to combat air pollution: Rizwana She said all occupied lands will be freed from illegal occupation within the next three months and instructed deputy commissioners to expedite the process of demarcating forest boundaries. Rizwana warned that strict actions will also be taken to prevent deforestation and pollution caused by industries. She advised the Department of Environment to thoroughly review all aspects before issuing permits and include public opinion during the renewal process. The Adviser called upon all stakeholders including citizens and organisations to actively contribute to environmental protection efforts. Certain areas to be declared ‘no brickfield zones:’ Rizwana The discussion, presided over by Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin, was attended by key officials, including the Superintendent of Police, the Commander of the Army Security Unit, the Commander of 63 BGB, the Secretary of Gazipur City Corporation, representatives from the Forest Department and the Department of Environment, local representatives, environmental activists, and government and non-government officials. The participants discussed pressing issues such as local environmental degradation, illegal forest occupation, and industrial pollution.

Emphasizing the importance of building a national consensus on reforms, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that public participation is crucial to achieving this goal. “If we fail to align with the expectations of the people, we will constantly find ourselves in political discomfort and complications,” she said. She was speaking at the first session of the National Dialogue 2024, held under the theme "Unity, Reform, Elections" and titled "Which Path to Unity," at the Krishibid Institution Auditorium in Dhaka on Friday. The adviser also said that achieving national consensus may require some compromises, and we must be prepared to make them. She said that unity is essential in various areas, including communal harmony, political reform, and ensuring the inclusion of the younger generation’s aspirations in governance. The adviser remarked that agreement on reforms should not result in treating one another as adversaries. Decisions on what reforms are necessary, who will implement them, how they will be carried out, and within what timeframe must be made. She stressed that backing down from reforms is not an option, as broad cooperation is needed to ensure public opinion is reflected in these changes. Failure to meet public expectations will lead to repeated political instability and complications. Addressing the broader responsibility for change, she noted that it is not just the task of an interim government but a collective obligation. Merely drafting reforms on paper will not suffice; these changes must be practiced to benefit the public. South Asian nations, China must work together to ensure stability, development in region: Foreign Adviser Leadership changes alone are not enough without a shift in mindset. We must internalize that leadership is about responsibility, not power, and commit to fulfilling these responsibilities. She also underscored the importance of public engagement in governance, noting that although the need for reform is widely acknowledged, the path forward remains challenging. She warned that breaking away from entrenched political norms or eliminating inequalities will not happen overnight. Patience and persistence will be essential. Expressing faith in young leadership, Rizwana Hasan stated, "I remain optimistic and hopeful about the youth. Major changes are likely to come from them because they bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. However, change is a process—it cannot be achieved solely through new laws. Training ourselves to sustain this process is vital, and both youth and experienced individuals have roles to play." She concluded by expressing confidence in the government’s initiatives and reform commissions, stating that public engagement would follow once commission reports are received. The chief adviser has also proposed forming a commission to build consensus. She added that effective reforms would benefit current and future political leaders by clarifying public expectations and ensuring responsive governance. Although the road to unity is challenging, the ultimate goal is to reflect the aspirations of the people.