At a discussion meeting, they also said Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan (DMDP) should be reviewed and updated regularly for the greater interest of the city dwellers.

The discussion titled 'Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan and Environment' was organised by Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) at its Lalmatia office in the city.

Architect Niaz Rahman presented a draft report on the DMDP and Environment at the meeting.

In his presentation, Niaz said establishment of new industrial enterprises within the city has to be carefully controlled by enforcing environmental regulations strictly.

"Better coordination is to be ensured among utility agencies belonging to different ministries, city corporations and municipalities," he added.

Bapa President Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said permission for construction of high-rise buildings has to be given only after careful assessment of its impact on the neighbourhood.

He called for gradual expansion of remaining wetlands including ponds and canals and preservation of trees and open space in the city.

Bapa General Secretary Mahidul Haq Khan said the capital city has to be connected extensively with surrounding rivers.

Former vice-chancellor Jahangirnagar University Kazi Saleh Ahmed, Prof Khandaker Mokaddem Hossain of Dhaka University, Bapa Joint Secretary Mihir Biswas, Salma A Shafi, Prof Ishrat Jahan and ZK Baral also took part in the discussion.