'Set up waste treatment plant at every factory'

Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon forms a human chain in the city yesterday demanding an end to dumping of industrial waste in rivers and steps to set up waste treatment plant at every factory. PHOTO: STAR

Environmentalists yesterday demanded establishment of waste treatment plant at every factory immediately in order to protect the environment.

Emission of poisonous chemicals from the industries and dumping of industrial waste to rivers have been polluting the environment continuously, they said.

These chemicals even contaminate groundwater, they said and called for an end to dumping of such wastes in rivers.

The environmentalists were speaking at a rally organised by Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) in front of the National Museum in the city where they also formed a human chain to press their demands.

Representatives from Green Voice, Sheba and other organisations took part in the programme to express their solidarity with the demands of Bapa.

The demands included ensuring safe use of chemicals at every sector, initiating a 'cleaner production' system at every industry and implementing the environment act properly.

Meanwhile, Save the Environment Movement and Ushika staged a sit-in in front of the High Court Mazar, demanding strict enforcement of the tobacco control act.

They also demanded that tax on tobacco products be increased 100 percent in the upcoming budget to discourage people from smoking.

They also called on the government to take legal action against the tobacco companies who are violating the anti-tobacco law.

President of Save the Environment Movement Abu Naser Khan presided over the programme.