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Environmental degradation in Gazipur worries Mozammel

FE Report | May 25, 2019 00:00:00


Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque on Thursday expressed his concern over the environmental degradation in Gazipur due to unplanned industrialisation.

He said despite remarkable contribution of Gazipur to the national economy, the district has always remained neglected in terms of infrastructure, employment opportunities and education.

Its citizens never get due share in the national arena and now they have become minorities in their own land, the minister added.

"The worst problem for the citizens of Gazipur is environmental degradation. We do not have any river, canal, beel left free from pollution. People cannot walk along the river banks due to bad stink," said Mr Mozammel.

Gazipur is second in environment pollution after the Buriganga, the minister observed.

He was addressing as the chief guest a programme at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).

Dhaka-based Gazipur Journalists' Forum (DGJF) organised the event.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russell was present as the special guest at the programme.

Speakers highlighted various historical aspects, culture, problems and prospects of Gazipur.

Mr Mozammel said the citizens of Gazipur are lagging behind in education although massive industrialisation has taken place in the district.

The government earns a considerable amount of revenue from Gazipur, he added.

Zahid Ahsan said traffic congestion, improper waste management and water logging are among the major problems affecting the city life.

A master plan should be there to guide the overall development activities by both the city corporation and other agencies, he added.

Many infrastructure projects have already been undertaken by the government but more projects are needed to make the district livable, Mr Russell said.

"Many factories are being set up in an unplanned way in Gazipur. People are also constructing houses and other infrastructures without any approved design as there is no authority other than Rajuk," he added.

He demanded immediate action to stop unplanned industrialisation happening mostly in unions of Gazipur district as there is no authority to regulate the activities.

"The cabinet has approved the bill of Gazipur Development Authority. The bill will be placed in the next parliament session to be held next month," he said.

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