Industrialisation cannot come at cost of environmental pollution: State minister
Shaikh Faridul Islam says development requires industrialisation, but factories must not compromise public health or environmental safety.
Bangladesh needs industrialisation for economic development, but it cannot come at the cost of environmental pollution and public health, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam said today (6 September).
"We need production for our development, and we need industrialisation, but it must be environment-friendly. We have to ensure that the environment is not harmed," he said after inspecting Akij Steel Mill in Munshiganj's Gazaria, following complaints from local residents about alleged pollution from the facility.
He said the government would first assess the extent of the alleged pollution before deciding what action should be taken against the mill.
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"We have heard your complaints. Now we have to evaluate practically how much impact or damage it is causing. Then we will take action accordingly," Shaikh Faridul said.
He said officials responsible for monitoring air and water quality would inspect the facility and conduct the necessary tests.
The state minister said the alleged pollution could affect not only nearby residents but also workers at the factory.
"Our children must be able to breathe. If they cannot even breathe, what is the point of industrialisation?" he said.
Local residents alleged that the mill continuously emits black smoke after evening, affecting people living in surrounding areas.
They told the minister that the factory is located beside the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway, with Gazaria Technical School and College on one side and Gazaria Police Station and Highway Police Station nearby. Gazaria Upazila Health Complex is also located less than half a kilometre away, they said.
According to the residents, motorists using the highway, students and teachers at the educational institution and patients visiting the health complex are exposed to the smoke.
Earlier, the state minister attended a tree-planting, sapling distribution and prize-giving programme at Gazaria Government Technical College as the chief guest.
