Dhaka, Nov 05 (V7N) — Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor on Environment, Forest, and Climate, stressed the urgent need for effective implementation of air pollution prevention projects at the inauguration of the National Air Quality Management Plan on Tuesday morning at the Department of Environment, Agargaon. Speaking on the importance of transparency and accountability, she urged the department to prioritize these projects to make tangible progress.

Rizwana Hasan emphasized that no new approvals for brick kilns would be granted as part of efforts to combat air pollution. She further announced plans to investigate the past approvals of multiple brick kilns in the same locations, which have contributed to rising pollution levels. Additionally, she highlighted the need to strengthen the Department of Environment’s capacity to enforce these measures effectively.

During the ceremony, World Bank Environment Manager Kristan Peter echoed the call for immediate action, noting, “To meet the target of preventing air pollution by 2030, we must start working now.” His remarks underscored the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s environmental efforts and aligned with the government’s renewed focus on sustainable air quality management.

The new National Air Quality Management Plan aims to tackle pressing air quality issues and to ensure the long-term health and well-being of Bangladesh's urban population.

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