Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan spoke at a meeting at the conference room of the ministry at the Secretariat today. Photo : PID

DHAKA, March 19, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said legal framework and complaint resolution mechanism of the Department of Environment (DoE) will be strengthened to ensure more effective handling of environmental complaints. 

Strict measures will be taken to prevent pollution so that offenders do hold accountable, ensuring environmental justice, she said. 

The adviser made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a review meeting on the progress of ongoing cases related to the DoE, held at the ministry’s conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat here. 

The meeting included detailed discussions on the legal challenges and necessary actions concerning environmental cases.

The adviser said legal actions against air, water, and industrial pollution will be further intensified.

 She emphasised strengthening the magistracy operations of the DoE enhancing case management efficiency, and ensuring strong representation in court. 

Additionally, she directed the preparation of an Enforcement Manual to make anti-pollution drives more effective.

Chaired by Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, the meeting was attended by Md. Khayrul Hasan, Additional Secretary (Development); Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Additional Secretary (Environment); Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Director General of the Department of Environment; Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests; officials from the Solicitor Wing, legal representatives, and other relevant stakeholders. 

The attendees provided their insights on the challenges in handling environmental cases and strategies for overcoming them.

Later, Rizwana addressed another meeting reviewing the progress of Annual Development Program (ADP) projects for the fiscal year 2024-25.

 She instructed project directors and relevant officials to ensure timely, proper, and effective implementation of the projects.