Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan briefed the journalists after the DC conference session at Osmani Smriti Auditorium in the capital today. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Feb 18, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said Deputy Commissioners (DCs) will be able to perform their duties independently and impartially and without any political interference during the interim government’s period.

“The deputy commissioners will be able to carry out their responsibilities without any political pressure or any challenge while performing their election duties. This time, the elections will be held under the neutral management, which will allow DCs to work with full autonomy,” she said.

The adviser made the remarks while talking to media after the sixth session of the third and final day of the DC Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city.
Responding to a quarry, the adviser said deputy commissioners have been asked to provide a list of hills in their respective areas. 

“We have received the list of hills. In the past, workers were arrested for hill cutting, but now we will hold the land owners accountable. Steps are being taken to clear these encroachments.”

Mentioning the interim government’s ongoing efforts to free forests from illegal occupation, she said, according to the law, forests are registered in the names of deputy commissioners, and they have been instructed to ensure forest recovery.

The adviser said that a 51-acre housing project in Cox’s Bazar, which was located near the slopes of a hill and within a protected forest area, has been canceled. “We have directed the cancellation of the housing project,” she added.

She stressed the need for strict measures against those responsible for cutting hills. “We are working on identifying the boundaries of the Madhupur Sal forest, freeing it from illegal occupation, and updating the records of protected forests, rivers, and water bodies.”

Highlighting the role of deputy commissioners for taking proactive measurers to address river encroachments and pollution, she said, “We are instructing the DCs to clean up and restore the rivers to their original state.” 

Commenting on the issue of extraction of sand and stone from rivers and canals, Rizwana said the environmental department’s clearance must be obtained before extracting sand or stone.
The adviser called for the appointment of sufficient magistrates to carry out anti-pollution drives and stressed the assistance of joint forces, if required. 

She instructed the DCs to monitor the industrial activities that cause pollution as well as to take the wildlife-related complaints seriously.

The adviser also said, “Discussion is going on regarding the preservation of island areas such as Saint Martin's. Eco-tourism will be developed in the river regions of Jaflong, Sylhet.”