Environment, Forest, and Climate Change adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, has vowed to tackle Dhaka’s air pollution by scrapping old, polluting buses and implementing strict measures.
She emphasized that public health must not be sacrificed for private interests, adding that old, polluting buses would be scrapped and the health of Dhaka’s residents cannot be compromised for the interests of a few.
The adviser urged bus owners to take immediate corrective actions.
Rizwana Hasan made these remarks during a press briefing following a discussion meeting held at the Power Building in the capital on Thursday.
The meeting focused on maintaining order in the transport sector, reducing traffic congestion, and controlling air pollution.
She also informed that a task force has been formed to combat air pollution.
This task force will focus on controlling road dust, repairing broken roads, and enforcing relevant laws, she added.
“Efforts will target reducing pollution from dust, black smoke, brick kilns, and factories while implementing the Air Quality Management Plan.”
The advisor suggested declaring Ashulia a brick kiln-free zone and stated that the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has been approached to reduce taxes on air purifiers.
Additionally, she stressed the need to free footpaths from encroachment while ensuring that legal enforcement does not lead to public harassment.
The meeting was chaired by Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, Advisor to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges.
It was attended by Labour and Employment adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, Housing and Public Works adviser Adilur Rahman Khan; special assistant to home affairs adviser Md. Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury; along with secretaries, directors general, city corporation administrators, and leaders of bus owner associations.
