Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has said that the government will not accept mob justice under any circumstances.
Speaking to reporters after starting a one-day campaign to plant 100,000 tree saplings organized by the Savar Upazila Administration, she said, “Wherever mob justice incidents happen, the government is taking quick action to arrest the offenders. There is zero tolerance for such lawlessness.”
She pointed out that both large projects and smaller efforts can promote sustainable development. She urged the public to be more aware of environmental issues, stating, “True environmental progress depends on valuing nature as an essential part of our mindset.”
Highlighting China's success in reducing air pollution, she expressed hope that Bangladesh, through teamwork, can achieve similar improvements soon.
The event was led by Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Tanvir Ahmed, with Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury there as a special guest.
In his speech, Commissioner Chowdhury emphasized the importance of protecting the environment, saying, “No matter how wealthy you are, survival is impossible if the environment collapses.” He also warned against local involvement in river encroachment and pollution, urging everyone to unite against these challenges.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan officially launched the Better Dhaka District Initiative, which supports environmental protection and sustainable development in Dhaka district.
As part of the program, saplings were given to students from various schools and local residents for planting throughout Savar. The adviser herself planted a jackfruit sapling at the Upazila Parishad premises, while the Divisional Commissioner planted a neem tree. Rizwana Hasan also stressed the urgent need for environmental protection.
