Land grabbers untouchable for govt links, says Bapa leaders
Leaders of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa) yesterday said the government is reluctant to take steps against land grabbers as many of them have connections with the government.
“The governments are unable to take steps because a section of influential businessmen are now becoming lawmakers, busy fulfilling their own interests without considering the environmental damage,” said Bapa Vice President Prof Khondoker Bazlul Hoque.
He was addressing a press conference, “Ashonno Jatiya Budget (2012-13) O Poribesh Bhabna” (forthcoming national budget and thoughts on environment), organised by Bapa at the capital's Dhaka Reporters Unity.
Bapa Executive Member Prof AM Muazzem Hossain alleged that the government could not implement policies on environment conservation due to the influence of a section of policymakers, comprising businessmen and politicians.
It would be difficult to find open spaces in the capital in the future if the government fails to stop these people from illegally grabbing lands and encroaching on rivers, he said.
Bapa President ASM Shahjahan urged the government to take up environment conservation through effective steps and sufficient allocation in the budget.
However, Bapa Joint Secretary Jakir Hossain said only the government's goodwill and budgetary allocation are not sufficient.
Political commitment is also vital in preventing influential quarters from committing anti-environment activities, he said.
Bapa placed an eight-point recommendation, which includes formation of a national river commission, formulation of a 15-year-long plan on environment conservation, compelling industries to construct effluent treatment plants and shifting tanneries out of the capital.
Besides, they also laid emphasis on increasing allocation for forestation, stopping corruption in the forest department, dredging rivers to increasing navigability, increasing the supply of pure drinking water and protecting the biodiversity of rural areas.
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