Outdated city buses to be scrapped: Rizwana

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said old and polluting buses will be scrapped to reduce the air pollution in the capital, report agencies.

"People in Dhaka cannot continue to suffer and die from air pollution. The interests of a few cannot outweigh the health of the entire population. Bus owners must take immediate action," she said.

The adviser came up with the remarks while speaking at a discussion at the Bidyut Bhaban in the capital on Thursday.

The event focused on strengthening discipline in the transport sector, reducing traffic congestion and controlling air pollution in Dhaka.

She urged bus owners to take immediate action, noting that a task force has been formed to combat air pollution.

Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said all public transport more than 20 years old would not allow to ply on city roads to protect the environment.

"The outdated transports will not be allowed on city roads and stern action will be taken against those vehicles," he said.

He urged the transport owners to replace the dilapidated buses immediately saying, if necessary, the government would give financial support to procure new transports.

The task force will focus on reducing dust, repairing damaged roads, and strictly enforcing laws, she said, adding, efforts will also be made to cut pollution caused by black smoke, brick kilns, and industrial emissions, aligning with the Air Quality Management Plan.

The adviser also mentioned plans to declare Ashulia a no-brick-kiln zone as part of measures to control air pollution.