Protect environment for sustainable dev
Says Prof Wahid Uddin
Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan (BAPA) Vice President Prof Wahid Uddin Mahmud yesterday said protecting the environment should be a key element of sustainable development in a disaster-prone country like Bangladesh.
If loss of environment is calculated in economic terms, the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) may reduce from six percent to four percent, he said while addressing a press conference.
BAPA organised the press conference titled “Want environment-friendly budget, want transparent use of allocated fund” at Dhaka Reporters' Unity auditorium in the city.
Prof Mahmud said sources of environmental loss are decline of land fertility, traffic congestion, river pollution and forest and bio-diversity loss and warned of huge economical losses in future if proper steps are not taken.
Prof Mahmud said different complicacies and obstacles are hampering projects related to environment.
He said the government initiatives to control river pollution so far has been weak while due importance was not given to provide arsenic-free drinking water, says a press release.
Another BAPA Vice President ASM Shahjahan said due importance will be given to environment in the next fiscal year's budget. Giving proper allocation in environment is indeed essential for protecting existence of human beings, he added.
Shahjahan stressed on transparent use of funds allocated to protect the environment.
BAPA General Secretary Mohammad Abdul Matin said sufficient fund should be allocated for the rehabilitation of cyclone Aila victims.
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