Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, announced that ten roads in Dhaka will be declared horn-free starting in January.
Speaking at the "Shahid Selim BUFT National Debate Competition - 2024" Grand Finale, held Monday evening at BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology in Uttara, Dhaka, Hasan stated that necessary amendments to the law would be implemented to promote a horn-free country. She emphasized the importance of responsible driving and reducing horn use to foster a more eco-friendly environment.
The environmental advisor also underscored the role of youth in raising public awareness about environmental and climate change issues. “Today’s youth will build tomorrow’s Bangladesh,” Hasan noted, encouraging young people to develop problem-solving skills grounded in accurate information, critical thinking, and creativity. She highlighted that activities like debating sharpen communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for addressing pressing environmental challenges.
The event featured remarks from Faruque Hassan, Chairman of the University Board of Trustees; Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, Trustee Member; and Professor Dr. Engineer Ayub Nabi Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor. This year’s debate competition included 32 university and 32 college teams. Dhaka University Debating Society emerged as the university champion, 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 secured the championship, followed by Bangladesh Navy College and Mirpur Cantonment College as runners-up.
During the program, a saree portraying the memories of the July Revolution through words and visuals was presented as a gift, and Hasan answered questions from journalists.
In a separate development, the Department of Environment conducted 19 mobile court operations across Bangladesh to control the production, sale, and distribution of banned polythene. The operations led to fines totaling BDT 132,400 for 35 establishments, and 2,945 kilograms of polythene were seized. The Department of Environment stated that such anti-pollution efforts would continue.
