Dhaka to press Delhi on river rights: Rizwana

The interim government will discuss Bangladesh's rights over common rivers, including the Teesta, with India, said Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan.
"It is important to understand what people living near the Teesta want. Bangladesh is committed to claiming its rights while staying friendly with India," she told reporters following a meeting with World Bank Country Director Abdoulaye Seck at the secretariat on Wednesday.
These issues, she added, will be brought to the attention of the international community, with no hesitation in advocating for Bangladesh's rights.
The World Bank will work more closely with Bangladesh to control pollution, she said, adding that the Department of Environment has been told to make a list of the most polluted rivers and the companies that are polluting them.
The environment adviser said even small-scale projects will be undertaken to protect rivers, no matter how much they cost.
Besides, the World Bank will work with students to teach them about the environment. Restoration of canals has already begun and saving canals and waterbody reclaim drives will start next week.
Rizwana Hasan said the government has decided to stop giving out new brick kiln licences and will be stricter about illegal brick kilns. They will start taking visible action before the brick-making season starts.
Besides, the adviser said different measures will be implemented to reduce air pollution before winter, including stopping construction work unless there are on-site measures to reduce pollution.
Moving building materials such as bricks and sand in open trucks will be banned, she said, adding that the campaign to ban polythene will also start in September.
During the meeting with the World Bank country director, the adviser said they talked about what they are doing now and what they will do in the future to deal with environmental challenges, forest conservation and climate resilience.
Mr Seck praised Bangladesh for being active in protecting the environment and said the World Bank will continue to support these initiatives.
Both sides said they want to strengthen their partnership to reach their shared goals for the environment and climate.

[email protected]