Bangladesh to be transformed into industrial economy: Dilip

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FE Report
Industries Minister Dilip Barua said Wednesday that the government's top priority was to transform Bangladesh into an industrial economy, moving away from trade.
"I think eco-friendly and sustainable industrialisation is the best option," Mr. Barua said.
The Industries Minister said the government has taken pragmatic industrial and environment policy to overcome the challenges of environmental pollution and global warming.
Mr. Barua was speaking at an award giving ceremony organised by Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Dhaka in the city.
The chamber awarded three personalities for 2009 -- two from the media and one from the business -- for their commendable contribution in creating awareness against environmental degradation.
"We have introduced the award with a view to developing wider awareness to help formulation of balance action programmes for minimising river pollutions and at the same time, ensuring that productions are not hampered or employment threatened," M Anis Ud Dowla, president of MCCI said.
The business community is conscious of the fact that the rivers are the main victims of the country's industrial growth particularly those around different clusters of industries, he said.
"But it is also true that all the industrial enterprises are not responsible for this river pollution," Mr Anis said.
He, however, acknowledged that industries, in general, don't comply with environmental regulations.
Mr Anis said the problems created over the years could not be overcome in a short time merely through punitive measures.
He added a wide public awareness on the importance of treating industrial wastes should be created to stop environment degradation, particularly to stop pollution of three rivers, the Buriganga, Sitalakhya and the Turag.
Dr Akbar Ali Khan, former advisor to the caretaker government and chairman of the Award Selection Committee said "Environment problem is a great concern for Bangladesh as it plays a vital role in creating poverty."
And in this regard, the role of liberal and well-built media is a must to create awareness among the government and common people, he said.
"Through this recognition, the move against environment degradation will be further advanced."
"Awards should be instituted not only for the media coverage of river pollution but other sectors as well," Mr. Khan said.