"Hundreds of cars in front of schools in Dhaka city, especially English medium schools. A car is used for a student. School buses should be started to protect the environment and reduce traffic congestion. This will reduce the use of private vehicles. If school bus service is introduced, environmental pollution will be reduced, traffic congestion will be reduced and social bonding among students will also be strengthened. I have already spoken to teachers at a few schools and they agree on this. Students will be happy if they all come and go in school bus together and good relationship will be created among the students.'
'Bangladesh's Road to Net-Zero (Carbon Neutrality) - Role of Industry and Commerce' organized by Bangladesh-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI) on Monday afternoon at Sheraton Hotel, Banani, capital. Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam said these things in the speech of the chief guest in the discussion meeting.
DNCC Mayor said, 'I know parents are concerned about the safety of children. It is normal to think. We have started working on the issue of children's safety. Safety of children will be ensured by using modern technology including CC cameras in school buses. We have also started working on introducing eco-friendly electric school buses to save energy.'
The mayor also said, 'Due to the increasing climate change, floods in other parts of Bangladesh, cyclones and sea level rise in coastal areas, many people migrate to Dhaka every day. Many of them are taking refuge in different slums. Sitting on the sidewalk with shops. Urban dwellers are experiencing adverse environmental effects. All cities are potentially exposed to climate impacts.'
Mentioning that DNCC has already undertaken many activities to bring back the life of the city and protect biodiversity, the Mayor said, 'The illegal truck stand and market on the Lautla canal has been removed and the canal has been restored and water flow has been ensured. We have started planting 2000 trees on the banks of Lautla canal. We will build a beautiful park and walkway there. A playground will also be constructed on the reclaimed land adjacent to Lautla Canal.
Emphasizing the importance of tree planting, DNCC Mayor said, 'In order to increase public awareness about tree planting, one tree is being given to citizens who come to register births at DNCC. We encourage urban residents to take up roof gardens and conserve rainwater.
We have completed development of twenty four parks and grounds.'
He said, the whole world today is affected by three C's. The three C's are covid, climate change and conflict. Everyone should be aware of these three C's. Dhaka city is affected by the adverse effects of climate change. Everyone has to take responsibility.'
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam has called upon soft drink marketing companies to take responsibility for recycling the bottles they supply.
The Mayor said, 'We have led to the destruction of the environment with plastic. For those producing and marketing beverages in plastic bottles, it's time to take responsibility for recycling the bottles they supply. They have to figure out how to collect and reuse it.
If necessary, you add some more money to the price of the drink. Customers are told that they will get money back if they return the bottle. To save the city of Dhaka, all those who sell and buy drinks must take responsibility.
BGCCI's Vice President Sebastian Grow moderated the discussion among others, climate scientists and research organization International Center for Climate Change and Development Director Dr. Salimul Haque, BGCCI Senior Vice President Tarun Patwari and others were present.
