Task force to tackle air pollution until next monsoon: Rizwana Hasan

The government is set to establish a task force to combat air pollution, which will operate until the next monsoon, according to Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Environmental Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. The task force aims to tackle pollution in Dhaka and its surrounding areas during the dry season.

Addressing an inter-ministerial meeting on Thursday at the Secretariat, Hasan outlined key measures, including the removal of old vehicles within six months, restrictions on open trucks entering the capital, and the declaration of "No Brickfield Zones" in certain areas. Citizens were also urged to wear masks as an immediate precaution.

“Air pollution cannot be resolved overnight. However, we are identifying sources of pollution and implementing measures to mitigate its effects,” she said.

Rizwana Hasan emphasised controlling dust from construction activities, emissions from brick kilns, and vehicle exhaust as top priorities. She also highlighted the importance of raising public awareness, enforcing environmental laws, and improving monitoring systems.

Measures discussed during the meeting included spraying water to reduce construction dust, covering construction materials, using vacuum trucks for road cleaning, and repairing roads promptly. Planting grass along roadsides, designating proper waste disposal areas, and banning the burning of waste were also stressed.

Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Advisor to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, added that initiatives would be taken to recover canals and develop open spaces into playgrounds. He called for integrated efforts to improve the country’s environmental quality.

The meeting, chaired by the Acting Secretary of the Local Government Division, concluded with a commitment to implement stricter laws and conduct regular monitoring to curb pollution. Government officials, agency representatives, and environmental experts attended the session.