Action will be taken against river and forestland encroachers: Rizwana

Dhaka, Dec 15 (V7N) –Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources, has said that strict action will be taken against those encroaching on rivers and forestlands.

She emphasized that the government is working tirelessly to keep the environment free from pollution. Development activities are being conducted in line with public expectations, avoiding destructive practices, and moving towards sustainable development.

She made these remarks on Sunday evening while virtually attending as the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the "Eco Leaders Youth Empowering Initiative on Environment, Climate, and Renewable Energy for Bangladesh," held at the Bangladesh Military Museum, with her participation facilitated from Pan Pacific Sonargaon.

The adviser highlighted that Bangladesh is grappling with challenges such as floods, droughts, and salinity caused by climate change.

She urged the youth and all sections of society to come forward in tackling these issues collectively, ensuring solutions through united efforts.

Earlier in the afternoon, she addressed a program organized to observe International Human Rights Day at the NGO Affairs Bureau auditorium in Agargaon as the Chief Guest.

She remarked that the current government has taken various initiatives to uphold human rights and that commissions are actively working on necessary reforms.

She assured that women would be included in the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to combat climate change effectively.

The program was presided over by Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of the Manusher Jonno Foundation.

Other notable speakers included Corinne Henchoz Pignani; Chargée d'affaires, Embassy of Switzerland to Bangladesh; Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh; Md Anwar Hossain, DG of NGO Affairs Bureau; Barrister Sara Hossain, Executive Director, BLAST, & Member, Women Rights Reform Commission; Sharmin Neelormi, Professor, Jahangirnagar University, & Member, White Paper Commission spoke among others.