Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that sustainable solutions to pollution control, effective waste management, and environmental protection can only be achieved through coordinated efforts among relevant ministries, government agencies, and local government institutions.

He made the remarks while chairing a ministerial discussion on waste management, water pollution, and other environmental issues at the conference room of the Local Government Division at the Secretariat on Tuesday (August 4). Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo and State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam also attended the meeting.

The Local Government Minister said environmental pollution has become one of the country’s most pressing challenges. Rapid urbanization, unplanned waste management, indiscriminate dumping of waste into rivers and water bodies, and the widespread use of single-use plastics and polythene bags are placing increasing pressure on the environment.

He stressed that these challenges cannot be addressed through isolated initiatives alone. Instead, he said, a coordinated and well-planned approach is essential for achieving lasting and effective results.

The minister also noted that government efforts alone would not be sufficient to protect the environment. Raising public awareness and encouraging environmentally responsible behavior are equally important. He emphasized the need for effective measures to reduce the use of harmful polythene bags and promote environmentally friendly alternatives.

Speaking as the guest of honor, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo highlighted various initiatives and ongoing activities undertaken by his ministry to protect the environment. He stressed the importance of strengthening coordination among government institutions while also increasing public awareness to ensure effective environmental conservation.

The meeting featured detailed discussions on water pollution, solid waste management, pollution control, river conservation, and measures to regulate the use of environmentally harmful polythene products.

Among those present were Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md. Abdus Salam, Local Government Division Secretary Md. Shahidul Hasan, Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Mohang Shawkat Rashid Chowdhury, along with senior officials from the Local Government Division, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, both city corporations, and other relevant agencies.

Participants at the meeting underscored the need to further strengthen inter-ministerial coordination to improve waste management, control water and environmental pollution, and ensure a sustainable environment.