Dhaka: The government should formulate the upcoming budget as responsive to the environment and create an Environment Cell in every ministry to monitor the issues, as environmental problems have become big concerns for the country as also the global community, green campaigners proposed.

Prof. Muzaffar Ahmad, President of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), broached the proposal at a press conference organized by BAPA at Dhaka Reporters Unity Wednesday.  

“The Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources said priority would be given to the power sector in the forthcoming budget. That’s good. But if we want more electricity, then we need to multiply the energy resources. That’s also harmful for the environment as there is no integrated energy policy,” said the veteran economist.

Occupancy of rivers under cover of industrialization must be stopped stoutly. A long-term planning is gravely needed to use the rivers for the betterment of people, he said.

He also said government officials can contribute a lot to protecting the environment. The officials must be trained on environment and related course should be included in every department of all universities so that students can practice such knowledge in their future life.

Abdul Matin, general secretary of BAPA, said in his keynote presentation that the government’s budget in the fiscal year 2009-2010 was environment-friendly, but, unfortunately, no execution of it has been seen so far.

“It’s imperative for the nation to reclaim the existing and reversed rivers across the country from the land-sharks and high-rated tax (green tax) should be imposed against contamination of rivers,” he said.

A combined monitoring body should be formed with Environment Court and BRTA, which would control carbon emission and air-pollutants such as brickfields, unfit vehicles, and industrial smoke, Matin proposed.

Zakir Hossain, Joint Secretary, and Alamgir Kabir, Coordinator of BAPA, were present at the press briefing.

BDST: 1500 HRS, May 12, 2010
RT/AK/MUA