The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change adviser, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, on Saturday urged young people to work collectively to address the risks posed by climate change in the country.
鈥榊ouths must commit themselves to the nation by staying away from greed, lust for power, financial irregularities, and corruption,鈥� she said.
She made these remarks while addressing a discussion titled 鈥楳anifesto Talk: Youth, Environment and Climate鈥� organised by 16 youth-led organisations Youth Climate Coalition at the Department of Environment at Agargaon in the capital.
At the discussion, she said that the government had initiated three major measures to tackle air pollution: phasing out old buses, introducing electric vehicles, and banning the establishment of new brick kilns around Dhaka.
She said, 鈥楩illing up water bodies, hill cutting, and neglecting waste management cannot be allowed and development must be planned with respect for nature.鈥�
鈥楶rotecting the environment was not solely the government鈥檚 responsibility, but rather everyone鈥檚 democratic duty,鈥� Rizwana said, adding that everyone should carry jute or cloth bags when they go shopping.
The adviser also proposed three model projects for Dhaka north and south city corporations. 鈥榃aste must be managed sustainably using biodegradable and recyclable methods and that single-use plastics must be banned,鈥� she said.
Referring to the fires at Aminbazar and Matuail landfills, she warned that they pose serious health hazards to nearby residents and have become a cause of lung cancer. 鈥楾his issue needs to be resolved immediately,鈥� she added.
She said that old trees must not be cut down in the name of road expansion and development must take place preserving trees.
She noted that the Forest Department and Public Works Department are working together to redesign the National Museum to protect the existing trees.
She also said that Eucalyptus and Akashmoni trees were banned, thanks to their harmful environmental effects and emphasis was now being put on planting eco-friendly species.
Over 300 youth climate activists participated in the discussion.
