Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged everyone to play a responsible role in leaving pollution-free rivers and a clean, habitable environment for future generations.
He made this call on Sunday (September 6) morning at a review meeting held at the Bangladesh Secretariat, which focused on various issues including controlling pollution of rivers surrounding Dhaka city, waste removal, conservation and management, ensuring navigability, and developing circular waterways.
The Prime Minister stated, “Everyone must play a responsible role from their respective positions to leave pollution-free rivers and a clean environment for future generations. We must work on this not just by waiting for government directives, but also out of personal responsibility.”
The meeting reviewed issues such as controlling pollution, waste removal, ensuring navigability, and the normal flow of water in the Buriganga, Turag, Dhaleshwari, Balu, and Shitalakshya rivers, along with canals and drains connected to them. Discussions also covered the development of existing circular waterways around Dhaka.
In the meeting, the Prime Minister directed that effective initiatives be taken for the swift implementation of plans adopted so far. He also emphasized the importance of advancing activities through proper coordination among the relevant ministries, divisions, and agencies.
Among those present at the meeting were Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moin Khan; Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo; Industries and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir; Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie; Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam, along with senior officials from relevant ministries and divisions.
Also present were State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam; State Minister for Planning Zonaed Saki; State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan; State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam; and the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Dr. Saimum Parvez.
The meeting was also attended by the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary A.B.M. Abdus Sattar; Commander Dhaka Naval Area of Bangladesh Navy, Rear Admiral Abdullah-Al-Maqsus; administrators of Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Gazipur City Corporations, and other relevant officials.