Vested quarter blamed

FE Team | Published: January 11, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

Speakers at a convention in the city blamed a vested quarter on Saturday for the non-implementation of the policies and laws to protect the environment, reports UNB.
"Government high-ups are sincere to protect the environment. But, various policies, laws and steps taken to protect the environment cannot yield desired results due to noncooperation of some particular people," said noted urban planner Prof Jamilur Reza Choudhury.
Bangladesh Poribesh Andolan (BAPA) and Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN) jointly arranged the daylong convention on 'Environment Policies and Acts' Implementation Problems' at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in the city.
Speaking at the function, urban expert Prof Nazrul Islam observed though there are many policies, laws and directives of the court to protect the environment, those are not properly enforced.
He said the government must be strict about implementing the policies and laws relating to the environment properly.
Planning Secretary Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam said there is no alternative to prioritising the environment in development efforts.
"Taking lessons from the previous experiences, all our development programmes and activities must be environment-friendly ones."
Environment and Forest Secretary Nazibur Rahman said the government has given directives to be tough to protect the environment. "We're working to protect the public interest. There'll be no compromise when it comes to protecting the environment."
BAPA General Secretary Abdul Matin said the ecological approach instead of commercial one should be prioritised to protect the environment, especially the country's rivers.
BEN coordinator Dr Nazrul Islam said flawed development policies harm the environment and "We must prioritise our local knowledge and technology in the development policy."
Fifteen sessions were held in the convention with the participation of local and international experts, scientists, researchers, development activists, public representative and government officials.