Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has issued firm directives to Deputy Commissioners (DCs), emphasising the protection of rivers, hills, and forests.
She called for strict legal action against individuals involved in hill cutting and instructed the demarcation of the Madhupur Sal Forest, removal of illegal encroachments, and updates to official records to safeguard reserved forests, rivers, and wetlands.
During her address at the 2025 Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, she ordered the cancellation of a 51-acre housing project in Cox’s Bazar, which was planned on a protected forest area near a highway. She also called for the eviction of the Raja Kashem Ship Breaking Yard from forest land.
Highlighting the importance of conservation, the Adviser directed that at least one river in each district be freed from encroachment and pollution. She stressed the need for strict guidelines to regulate tourism in coastal areas, haors, islands, and forests. Additionally, she emphasized that environmental clearance from the Department of Environment must be obtained before extracting sand and stones.
To combat industrial pollution, she called for continuous monitoring of polluting factories and strict action against illegal brick kilns. She urged Deputy Commissioners to launch crackdowns on polythene production and promote the use of reusable fabric bags as alternatives. Furthermore, she instructed all government offices to eliminate single-use plastics and initiate awareness campaigns for horn control.
Addressing water body encroachments, she ordered the recovery of illegally occupied ponds and wetlands, including Totail Beel, Belai Beel, Benai Beel, Arial Beel, Gacha Khal, and several canals in Noakhali. She suggested that reclaimed lands be transformed into urban forests, parks, or public spaces.
Regarding human-elephant conflicts, she called for effective mitigation strategies. She also directed the preparation of lists of environmental offenders, conservation volunteers, and nominees for the Environment Award and Tree Plantation Award.
The session was presided over by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid, with the presence of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Water Resources Secretary Nazmul Ahsan, and heads of relevant agencies.
Deputy Commissioners and Divisional Commissioners from across the country shared environmental and water resource concerns from their regions. The Adviser assured them that these issues would be reviewed and addressed. Later, at a press briefing, Syeda Rizwana Hasan responded to journalists’ questions on various environmental matters.
