During a recent event in Dhaka, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized the need for political parties to outline clear plans for environmental protection in their election manifestos. She called on the youth to hold leaders accountable for their commitments to tackle pollution.
The event, titled “Road to Green Manifesto,” was hosted by Brigeters at the Department of Environment. Hasan noted that the current government has made strides in addressing environmental issues, but the next elected leaders must continue this progress.
One pressing concern is air pollution, with brick kilns contributing to around 13% of this problem. Other major sources include road dust and burning waste. Hasan highlighted that a policy has been introduced to regulate vehicle emissions. For example, Savar has been identified as a “degraded airshed,” which underscores the urgent need for action.
Interestingly, this year, Dhaka has seen a slight decrease in the peak days of air pollution compared to last year. This progress is partly due to a project approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) aimed at enhancing the capacity of the Eastern Refinery to reduce pollution.
Furthermore, new regulations addressing noise pollution are set to be implemented in 2025. There are also specific rules in place for forest and wildlife conservation. Hasan expressed optimism that systematic efforts will lead to positive changes, encouraging the youth to remain hopeful and engaged in these initiatives.
The discussion was moderated by Fariha Amir and included speakers like Malik Fida A Khan, the Executive Director of CEGIS, and various political representatives. These insights reflect a growing recognition of environmental issues among political leaders and the public, signaling a collective push toward a greener future.
Recent studies indicate that air pollution is responsible for an estimated 7 million deaths globally each year. Addressing this issue is not just a local concern but a critical global challenge that requires collaboration between citizens and governments. With increasing awareness from the next generation, there is hope for meaningful environmental reforms.
It’s clear that the conversation around sustainability is gaining momentum, and with the right focus, we can drive toward lasting change.
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