Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has firmly denied rumours circulating on social media that the interim government is planning to lease out Saint Martin’s Island.
While speaking to reporters after an event at a hotel in Dhaka on Monday, the adviser said the government is actively working to protect the country’s only coral island and regulate tourism on it.
She emphasised the need for awareness about wildlife rights, not just human rights, saying people’s perceptions of the environment and wildlife must change.
She added that the current state of elephant corridors is highly alarming.
In response to a question, she said the government aims to protect both Saint Martin’s Island and the tourism industry.
For November, tourists visiting Saint Martin’s must return the same day, while in December and January, a maximum of 2,000 tourists per day will be allowed to stay overnight.
Meanwhile, Syeda Rizwana Hasan at a separate event said the government is set to announce ten roads in Dhaka 'horn-free' from January.
“Necessary amendments to the law will be made to promote a horn-free country,” she said while speaking as the chief guest at the Grand Finale of the "Shahid Selim BUFT National Debate Competition - 2024" held at BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology in Uttara, Dhaka.
She emphasized the need for everyone to drive responsibly andreduce horn use, and highlighted the crucial role of youth in raising public awareness on issues like environment and climate change based on accurate information.
She urged young people to contribute to creating an eco-friendly country by fostering problem-solving skills based on accurate information, critical thinking, and creativity.
Debates, she noted, sharpen communication skills, analytical abilities, and perspectives on problem-solving.
The event also featured speeches by Faruque Hassan, Chairman of the University Board of Trustees, Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, Trustee Member and Professor Dr. Engineer Ayub Nabi Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor.
Thirty-two universities and college teams will participate in the competition this year.
In the university category, Dhaka University Debating Society won the championship, with Jahangirnagar University Debating Society and North South University Debating Society as first and second runners-up, respectively.
In the college category, Adamjee Cantonment College won the championship, followed by Bangladesh Navy College and Mirpur Cantonment College as first and second runners-up.
During the program, a saree portraying the memories of the July Revolution through words and visuals was presented as a gift.
Meanwhile, the Department of Environment conducted 19 mobile court operations across the country to curb the production, sale, distribution, and marketing of banned polythene.
During the drives, 35 establishments were fined a total of Tk 1,32,400 and 2,945 kg of polythene was seized.
The Department of Environment will continue such pollution-control efforts.
