Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan today attended a consultation held at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Photo: Ministry

DHAKA, Feb 2, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said increasing the block use in government construction projects will not only reduce air pollution but also help preserve arable land. 

Using blocks in the construction projects is a significant step toward sustainable development, she said, stressing the need for taking collective efforts involving all stakeholders to implement the decision.

Rizwana made the remarks at a consultation held at the Bangladesh Secretariat here. 

The meeting focused on strategies to increase the use of blocks in public construction work to mitigate air pollution and protect agricultural land. 

Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan was present on the occasion as a special guest. 

Rizwana said: "The use of blocks is environment-friendly and it enhances the efficiency and sustainability of the construction sector. We are committed to coordinating with all relevant ministries and stakeholders to achieve this goal." 
 
"This initiative marks a groundbreaking step in environmental conservation and sustainable development. We are dedicated to implementing this plan in collaboration with all concerned departments," she added.
 
The meeting discussed various policy supports to boost block production and usage. Key proposals included exempting blocks from VAT (value added tax), reducing customs duties and taxes, and lowering import duties on machinery used for block production. 

The meeting also highlighted the need for updating the rate schedules of relevant organisations, such as LGED, the Department of Public Works, City Corporations, and municipalities, to ensure the block use in development projects. 

To maintain the quality of all types of blocks, the meeting emphasised the importance of setting national standards with the assistance of the Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI) and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI). 

Chaired by Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, the meeting was attended, among others, by additional secretary Tapan Kumar Biswas, Director General of the Department of Environment Dr Md Kamruzzaman, and representatives from various ministries and departments, construction sector experts and block manufacturing firms. 

Siddharth Shankar Kundu, Deputy Secretary of the Pollution Control Wing at the Ministry of Environment, made a power-point presentation at the meeting. 

Earlier in the day, a meeting was held on the implementation of a cleanliness programme on Saint Martin's Island. 

The meeting preliminarily decided to conduct a cleanliness drive on the island in the second week of February, involving local volunteers, students, and representatives from various organisations.