Coordinated Action Key to Pollution Control, Says LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul

Online Desk : Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said coordinated efforts among government ministries, agencies and local government institutions are essential to ensuring sustainable solutions to pollution control, waste management and environmental protection.

He made the remarks while chairing a ministerial-level meeting on waste management, water pollution and environmental protection at the Local Government Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintu and State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam also attended the meeting.

Fakhrul said environmental pollution has become one of Bangladesh’s major challenges, citing rapid urbanisation, unplanned waste management, indiscriminate dumping of waste into rivers and other water bodies, and the widespread use of single-use plastics and polythene bags as key contributors.

He stressed that these challenges cannot be addressed through isolated initiatives and called for coordinated, well-planned measures involving all relevant stakeholders.

The minister also said government efforts alone would not be enough to protect the environment, emphasising the need to raise public awareness and encourage environmentally friendly practices.

He urged authorities to take effective steps to reduce the use of harmful polythene bags and promote sustainable alternatives.

Speaking at the meeting, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintu outlined the initiatives taken by his ministry to protect the environment and said stronger coordination among government agencies, alongside greater public awareness, is vital for effective environmental conservation.

The meeting reviewed issues relating to water pollution, solid waste management, environmental pollution control, river conservation and measures to reduce the use of environmentally harmful polythene products.

Among those present were Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam, Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan, Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Mohammad Shawkat Rashid Chowdhury, and senior officials from relevant ministries, city corporations and government agencies.

Participants underscored the need for stronger inter-ministerial coordination to improve waste management, reduce water and environmental pollution and ensure a sustainable environment.