Among its general issues, Bapa emphasised that the national budget should reflect the goal of environmental protection. If necessary, Green Tax may be imposed on polluting consumption and production activities.

Teachers, religious leaders and grass-root social leaders have made important components in the national effort to save the environment. Bapa feels that the government should provide more resources for research on environmental issues.

The recommendations have called upon the government to improve the quality of governance so that policies and projects related to environment are also better implemented.

On under ground water contamination and arsenic poisoning, Bapa observed that progress made in the past in confronting the arsenic challenges have been insignificant.

It was recommended that the donors' money should be utilised for meaningful, low cost and indigenous solution of the arsenic problem.Regarding protection of rivers and other water bodies, the government should adopt ecology and environment friendly Open Approach. Also, the campaign to free rivers and water bodies from encroachment should spread all over the country.

Bapa noted that the Export Processing Zones set up across the country are seriously apathetic to the problems of surface water pollution. It recommended that steps should be taken to prevent industrial effluents from polluting water of the surrounding surface water bodies.

Sulphuric emissions from diesel-run vehicles are a major source of air pollution. There are proposals for a mass transportation system like rail-transit, ring road, circular waterway for etc. in Dhaka for reduction of traffic congestion.

Bapa felt that certain types of polythene/plastic bags should be banned which would ultimately lead to the rejection of all types of plastic bags. It also recommended that community involvement in primary collection of waste should be encouraged and municipalities should be given incentives for proper waste collection, recovery and reuse.

Bapa stressed on the need to have an integrated system for safe separate disposal of medical waste, as it is fast becoming a major threat to environment and public health in Bangladesh.

Protection of natural resources and use of renewable energy is another concern of Bapa. Forming of a Renewable Energy Policy for promoting the use of renewable energy sources was recommended.

Management of Dhaka city and other urban areas also came under focus. The declaration said that the Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan (DMDP) should be implemented properly reviewed and regularly updated.