Bangladesh’s river water issue with India will be brought to international attention: Environment adviser

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the interim government has plans to discuss Bangladesh’s rights over common rivers, including the Teesta, with India.

She stressed the importance of understanding the expectations of the people living along the Teesta and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to asserting its rights while maintaining friendly relations with India.

These issues, she said, will be brought to the attention of international communities, with no hesitation in advocating for Bangladesh’s rights.

The adviser made the remarks while briefing media at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday, following a meeting with Abdoulaye Seck, Country Director of the World Bank for Bangladesh and Bhutan.

The World Bank will intensify its cooperation with Bangladesh in controlling pollution, she said, adding that the Department of Environment has been instructed to compile a list of the most polluted rivers and the companies responsible for pollution.

The environment adviser emphasised that even small-scale projects will be undertaken to protect the rivers, regardless of their financial scope.

Additionally, the World Bank will engage in awareness-raising initiatives with students to foster environmental consciousness.

Restoration of canals has already begun, and canal and reservoir rescue operations are scheduled to start next week, she said while disclosing the key points of her discussion with the World Bank official to the media.

Ms Hasan outlined the government’s policy decision to halt the issuance of new brick kiln licenses and to crack down on illegal brick kilns without showing any leniency.

Visible enforcement actions will commence before the brick-making season begins.

Furthermore, various measures will be implemented to reduce air pollution ahead of winter, including prohibiting construction work unless air pollution mitigation measures are in place. The transport of construction materials, such as bricks and sand, in open trucks will be banned. The campaign to ban polythene will also kick off in September.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ongoing and future efforts to address environmental challenges, forest conservation, and climate resilience. 

Mr Seck praised Bangladesh’s proactive approach to environmental sustainability and reiterated the World Bank’s continued commitment to supporting these crucial initiatives.

Both parties expressed their commitment to strengthening their partnership to achieve shared environmental and climate goals.

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