Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources, held a productive meeting with the Environment Secretaries of Nepal and Bhutan at the Bangladesh Pavilion during the ongoing COP-29 Climate Change Conference, being held in Baku, Azerbaijan this year. Environment Secretary of Bangladesh Dr. Farhina Ahmed was also present at the meeting. During the discussion, Adviser Rizwana Hasan highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing climate challenges. She emphasized the need for actionable joint initiatives in key areas such as energy, agriculture, forestry, and rivers, stating: “Let’s work together to outline steps for effective collaboration and progress. To identify areas for meaningful joint action, we should focus on energy, agriculture, forestry, and potentially rivers. These sectors are interconnected with climate resilience and provide significant opportunities for collaboration and shared learning.” She warned against the adoption of false solutions promoted by agro-giants and called for prioritizing sustainable practices that genuinely support farmers and communities. Sharing experiences on forest conservation and its role in achieving climate goals and protecting vulnerable populations was another key area she underscored. On energy, the adviser stressed the importance of regional cooperation and investment in renewable energy to meet growing demands while reducing emissions. She urged countries to share strategies to accelerate transitions to sustainable energy, enhancing both national and regional resilience. Rivers, as a critical resource for climate adaptation and agriculture, were also identified as a potential focus for collaboration. She proposed mechanisms to address challenges related to price-sensitive crops. Bangladesh-India FS-level meeting in Dhaka next month to address key issues, including Hasina’s potential extradition The Adviser further emphasized the need for innovative solutions such as community seed banks and resilient crop varieties. She remarked: By establishing mechanisms to share innovations, such as community seed banks or resilient crop varieties, we can amplify benefits with minimal investment. These areas are practical and actionable, requiring fewer political hurdles, making them ideal for joint action. The meeting underscored the shared commitment of the participating countries to collaborate on sustainable and climate-resilient development pathways. Later, Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan met with Ministers of Least Developed Countries.    

The interim government on Thursday said there is no situation in Bangladesh that should bar any foreign country from restricting their visa for Bangladeshis, stressing that no other country has taken such restrictive measures. “I don’t think there is any situation in Bangladesh that should bar any foreign country from restricting their visa for Bangladeshis because no other country has done that,” Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan told reporters while responding to a question at a media briefing at Foreign Service Academy in the capital. Bangladesh condemns terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara She said the government of Bangladesh definitely wants a good and strong relationship with India but it is important in any relationship that the both sides “listen” to each other and “understand” each other. The Adviser said the fact is that the people of Bangladesh are “unhappy” about India following the restricted policy on visa and it is definitely something that the Indian government has heard. She mentioned what India has categorically been saying - till the situation is normalised. “I don’t think there is any situation in Bangladesh that should bar any foreign country from restricting their visa for Bangladeshis because no other country has done so.” The Indian High Commission in Dhaka, however, keeps on issuing only emergency medical visas. Rizwana said it is also very important for the government of Bangladesh to note that many of the people who had committed atrocities against the students and people are reportedly in India. “They have taken shelter in India.” “Perhaps, that is what India means by change in the situation. We don’t know. Because no other country – whether it is the US, Japan or European Union – have restricted visa policy for Bangladesh,” she added that it is perhaps something that India can rethink or reconsider. Responding to a question on minority issues, the Adviser said for the first time in the history of Bangladesh that the government listened to their demands and declared a two-day holiday for Durga puja. “We have categorically said our doors are always open for dialogue and discussions as they have other issues,” Rizwana said. She said if they opt for street agitations it indicates there is still need for more dialogue and discussion. “I strongly believe anything can amicably be dissolved through discussion.” Rizwana said she does not think any street demonstration is required and if there is any solution that has to come, that has to come from the government of Bangladesh and no other government will be able to do that. “Our doors are always open.” Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Mahfuj Alam and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were also present at the media briefing.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser, has urged manufacturers to adopt responsible practices by producing durable electronic goods. She also discouraged consumers from discarding items prematurely due to fleeting trends. The adviser was addressing a seminar titled "Formal E-Waste Management," held at the Westin hotel in Dhaka on International E-Waste Day. The adviser said the government would implement the E-Waste Rules 2021, which will play an important role in e-waste management, calling all stakeholders to support the ministry by providing suggestions for the effective implementation of e-waste management policies. Rizwana emphasized reducing waste as a primary solution, advocating for the promotion and regulation of the recycling industry. Concern raised over plan to ban single-use plastics without alternatives She highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive, nationwide e-waste management system involving government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and citizens. The adviser warned that the informal handling of hazardous materials poses significant environmental and health risks. Major General (retd) Md Emdad Ul Bari, Chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), and Sumon Ahmed Sabir, Chairperson of WEEE Society-Bangladesh, also spoke at the event. Dr Md Shahinoor Islam of Buet presented a keynote paper titled "E-Waste Contains both Hazardous and Valuable Materials: Stakeholders' Role in Transforming These into Circular Economy." The seminar gathered policymakers, environmental experts, and industry leaders to discuss challenges and solutions for managing e-waste in Bangladesh, emphasizing the dangers of informal recycling practices like open burning, which contribute to pollution and health hazards.    

The government is set to implement a gradual ban on vehicle honking across Dhaka city by December, with the goal of making the entire capital a “quiet zone” by early next year, according to Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. This initiative is part of a larger effort to combat noise pollution, which will later expand to other major cities in Bangladesh. In an exclusive interview with UNB, Rizwana Hasan revealed that steps are already underway, starting with key areas of Dhaka. She emphasized that the government is prioritizing public awareness campaigns before enforcing penalties. The initiative aims to address the deep-rooted habit of honking in urban areas. Adviser Rizwana explained that the process would begin with a comprehensive public awareness campaign, followed by strict enforcement of laws against unnecessary honking. Starting in December, drivers caught honking without cause will face a 500 taka fine for the first violation, with increased penalties for repeat offenses. Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana urges for using alternatives to polythene shopping bags “Changing habits will take time, but with proper education and enforcement, we can significantly reduce honking,” she said. She stressed the importance of educating both drivers and the general public before fines are imposed, underscoring the need for a shift in public behavior regarding noise pollution. The adviser highlighted the growing concern over the health risks posed by constant noise pollution. “Unnecessary honking and loudspeakers are disrupting normal life and contributing to serious health issues,” she said, adding that noise pollution is linked to hearing loss, heart disease, high blood pressure, and neurological disorders. “Now is the time to address noise pollution alongside other forms of environmental degradation if we want to ensure sustainable socio-economic development,” Rizwana added. Rizwana Hasan also pointed out the cultural and religious significance of reducing noise. She referenced Islamic teachings that encourage speaking in lower tones to avoid causing discomfort to others. “True power lies in reasoned communication, not in volume,” she said, urging drivers to consider whether honking is necessary, particularly when traffic lights turn green. She called on both drivers and the public to pledge to stop unnecessary honking, adding that restrictions on honking would soon be part of vehicle license renewal requirements. “We need collective efforts to bring about real change,” she said. As part of this initiative, on October 1, the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and its surrounding three-km radius were declared a “quiet zone,” where honking is strictly prohibited. Violators in this area may face fines or even imprisonment. Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), confirmed that the quiet zone extends from Scholastica school to the Le Meridien Hotel. 3-km area of Dhaka airport ‘Silent Zone’ from today This follows a series of measures implemented at the airport to make the area noise-free. The official launch of this quiet zone was overseen by Rizwana Hasan on October 1, signaling the government’s commitment to addressing noise pollution in the city’s most sensitive areas. Moving forward, the government plans to introduce similar noise reduction initiatives in other major cities. Rizwana Hasan called on citizens to support the program, highlighting the importance of creating a culture that discourages excessive noise for the well-being of all. “If we can stop honking, especially in large vehicles like buses and trucks, we can prevent many serious health issues,” she said, noting that other sources of noise pollution, such as loudspeakers and construction work, must also be addressed. Noise pollution: The lethal soundtrack to life in Dhaka