The Department of Environment (DoE) is set to undergo significant modernisation, with all services being digitalized to enhance efficiency and transparency, said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources.
Speaking at the soft launch of the Bangladesh Single Window (BSW): Journey Towards Seamless Trade event held at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka, Rizwana Hasan stressed the importance of ensuring that environmental clearances are more than just formalities. "Clearances will only be granted following rigorous verification and scrutiny," she stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to integrating environmental standards into development processes.
She also emphasised the need for robust mechanisms within the BSW to monitor and mitigate environmental impacts, particularly in trade activities that could harm sensitive ecosystems. "Environmental accountability will be a key aspect of trade facilitation moving forward," Rizwana Hasan added.
Prominent Figures Grace the Event
The event, aimed at streamlining trade while ensuring environmental accountability, was chaired by Md. Abdur Rahman Khan FCMA, Secretary of the Internal Resources Division and Chairman of the National Board of Revenue. Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Adviser to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Science and Technology, served as the Chief Guest.
Special guests included Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser; Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority; Nazma Moberek, Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division; Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and Md. Shahrier Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division.
The launch of the BSW is seen as a pivotal step towards creating a seamless and environmentally accountable trade framework in Bangladesh, aligning with the nation’s broader goals of sustainable development.
