Dhaka, Broadcasting News Corporation: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said that Deputy Commissioners have been urged to safeguard Bangladesh’s environment, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Speaking after the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s meeting at the Deputy Commissioner Conference 2024, Minister Chowdhury highlighted the need for comprehensive cooperation to prevent environmental degradation amidst ongoing development activities across districts. The Minister called upon Deputy Commissioners to take decisive action against the filling of water bodies and wetlands, halt construction on hillsides and foothills, and combat illegal brick kilns that threaten public health and the environment. Moreover, he underscored the importance of ensuring the permanent closure of defunct brick kilns while promoting the use of eco-friendly block bricks in government projects. In addressing air and plastic pollution, Minister Chowdhury urged the adoption of district-specific action plans targeting road construction, brick kilns, waste management, and single-use plastics. He encouraged innovative approaches to environmental protection and pollution prevention, including the cessation of banned polythene shopping bags and single-use plastics in government offices at the grassroots level. Furthermore, the Minister stressed the necessity of Deputy Commissioners’ active involvement in safeguarding forest lands, combating illegal encroachment, and curbing activities such as illegal sawmills and lead-acid battery recycling. He emphasized the role of Deputy Commissioners in overseeing and supporting the implementation of ongoing climate change projects across districts, ensuring their effective execution. Minister Chowdhury emphasized the imperative of collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change and Deputy Commissioners to uphold Bangladesh’s environmental integrity and biodiversity. Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Director General of Environment Department Dr. Abdul Hamid and Chief Conservator of Forest Department Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury were also present in the Press Briefing.