Development at the expense of environment unacceptable
Political parties should include plans to protect the environment in their election manifestos, said environmentalists at a press conference in Chattogram yesterday.
They also urged for an environment-friendly master plan so that the country's natural resources are not harmed due to the development works.
Green Alliance Bangladesh (GAB) organised the press conference at Chattogram Press Club.
Dr Jahangir Alam, former vice-chancellor of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, said, “Development at the cost of environment is not acceptable. Political parties should add environmental protection to their manifestos for the upcoming national election.”
A report on shrinking water bodies and arable land was also presented at the press conference.
At least 65,000 hectares of forest land disappeared in the last 25 years while 1,145,000 hectares of arable land met the same fate due to urbanisation and development, the data revealed.
GAB placed a 15-point demand to be included in manifestos.
Preparing a master plan for development projects, putting an end to occupying arable land for industrialisation, not allowing development work that impedes natural flow of water bodies and protecting reserve forests are some of the demands.
Prof Edris Ali, Sarwar Amin Babu, and Aliur Rahman were also present.
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