Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said on Wednesday that the government is working to develop for understandable early warning system to avoid loss of lives and livelihood of people in the natural calamities. She urged all stakeholders to actively contribute towards developing an effective hydrological status and outlook system. Speaking as the chief guest at a stakeholders’ consultation workshop titled "Early Warning for All through Hydrological Status and Outlook System" held at Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka, said a media release signed by Dipankar Bar, Public Relations Officer of the ministry.  The adviser stressed that early warnings are a vital part of building resilience. A robust hydrological system, she noted, would allow for better forecasting of potential disasters, enabling proactive measures to protect lives, property, and natural resources. She emphasized that the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities are at constant risk due to climate hazards, making it essential to have an efficient early warning system. Read: Proposals placed at PMO to face possible future natural calamities       Rizwana also said real-time information of upper riparian countries is highly required in this regard and highlighted the need for collaboration between government agencies, scientific communities, and local stakeholders to develop an inclusive system that serves all, particularly the most vulnerable. She called for a unified approach in implementing an early warning system that is both accessible and effective at local and national levels. Md Ashraf Uddin, Secretary, Ministry of Defence presided over the workshop. Kamrul Hasan, Secretary Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief; Md Nazmul Ahsan,  Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Dr Hwirin Kim, Head of Hydrology and water Resources Division, WMO also spoke as special guests. Senior officials from the Ministry, representatives from government agencies, NGOs, and international partners participated, discussing the challenges and opportunities of building a robust early warning mechanism for hydrological hazards. Read more: Bangladesh lauded for commitment, measures to fight climate change effects Earlier, the adviser inaugurated joining online the training on the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Policy on Programming and Operations held at Gazipur.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday urged the youths to set up export-oriented fish processing industries to help boost the country's foreign exchange earnings. “We can process the fish or we can produce various types of products from fish and export those," she said while launching the National Fisheries Week 2022. The premier hoped that the new generation will come forward further to set up such industries that will create employment opportunities for the jobless. This year's July 23-29 Fisheries Week began with the theme 'Nirapad Machhea Varbo Desh, Bangabandhur Bangladesh (The country will be filled with safe fish, Bangabandhu's Bangladesh)'. The programme was held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, joined virtually by the PM from her official residence Ganabhaban. Regarding the 100 economic zones across the country, she requested the young generation to set up their industries there. She also stressed the need for establishing food and fish processing industries in the economic zones. Hasina said that fish processing industries will also contribute to meet the domestic demands. “I believe that by this way we will be able to advance our country further,” she said. She urged all to remain alert against catching shrimp fry by net along coastal areas, including Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata, as this destroys many other varieties of fish fries. The prime minister put emphasis on utIlising Haor areas of the country for fish production.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said the government will build planned cities in all districts of the country, not only in Dhaka. "We’ll make planned housing in every division and district…it’ll no longer be Dhaka-centric one so that people have a better life [everywhere]," Sheikh Hasina said. Also Read:Will work together to overcome Covid crisis: Hasina to Mamata The Prime Minister said this while addressing a function marking the handover of plot documents to 1,440 original residents and affected people of Purbachal New Town Project. She joined the programme, held at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC), virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban. She said the government is also taking steps so that people in rural areas can avail themselves of civic amenities that the city dwellers are enjoying. "Everyone has a desire to live in a city. So, we’ve decided that the people living in villages will be provided with facilities like that of a city," she said.The government is constructing roads, bridges and appropriate infrastructures across the country, Hasina said, adding that a project, 'Palli Janopod', has been taken so that one can buy a flat if he/she wants to live in a flat. Also read:Antimicrobial resistance can even threaten food security: PM Hasina The Prime Minister said the government is taking various steps so that people can manage their livelihood living in flats. The Prime Minister reiterated her firm commitment that no one in the country will remain homeless. "We’ll arrange a shelter for everybody whatever and however we could.” She also said every house will have the electricity connection which will illuminate it. "Every house will have educated people.  The country will march forward with education and knowledge, and it’ll have a glorified position in the world.” Hasina went on saying, “Bangladesh is now a developing nation, and this country will advance further. We’ll be the wonder of the world." New variant of coronavirusTalking about the new variant of coronavirus that spread widely in neighbouring India, she said all have to remain alert and must wear masks. "As the neighbouring country is hit hard by the new variant. There’s a possibility for it to enter Bangladesh," she said. Also Read: As India surges, Bangladesh lacks jabs, faces virus variants She criticised a section of people for their desperate bid to go to their village homes defying all the restrictions at this critical time of pandemic. "All are travelling together in ferries and other vehicles. You don’t know who’s infected with coronavirus. You’re carrying that virus to your family members. You’re going to infect them, too. You’re going to put their lives in danger as well," she said. Hasina questioned what problem they will face if one Eid is celebrated without all other family members and relatives. It will help save all from coronavirus infections, she said. State Minister Housing and Public Works Ministry Sharif Ahmed, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Housing and Public Works Ministry Engineer Mosharrof Hossain , Housing and Public Works secretary Shahid Ullah Khandaker also spoke on the occasion. Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi was present at the dais. Also read: Celebrate Eid where you are: PM Hasina Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) Chairman ABM Amin Ullah Nuri delivered the welcome speech. State Minister Housing and Public Works Ministry Sharif Ahmed handed over the allotment papers on behalf of the Prime Minister.  

Dr AKM Rafique Ahammed, Director General of Department of Environment on Thursday said Bangladesh has been facing many challenges in terms of land degradation in the country.