Dhaka, June 29 (UNB) – Stating that no development effort will be effective if it ruins the ecological and environmental balance, speakers at a public dialogue on Saturday urged the government to ensure a more environment-friendly budget.
Poribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA) arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club.
The speakers said development and environment are complimentary to each other and real development lies in the protection of the environment.
Speaking at the event as the chief guest, Rezaul Karim Bablu, MP from Bogura-7 constituency, said the environment must be protected for the survival of people. “No development will be effective if it damages the environment,” he said.
He also underscored the need for strict enforcement of law to prevent the use of polythene, saying, “Although the production of polythene was banned in 2008, 2.65 lakh metric tons of polythene are being produced currently.”
The MP also lamented that the land fertility is being destroyed through rampant use of pesticides.
Dhaka University Professor Shafik-uz-Zaman said the country needs to plan development projects considering the environmental aspects.
POBA President Abu Naser Khan said only structural development is not safe enough for people and the nature.