Involve indigenous groups: JS body

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change recommended involving the indigenous community in conserving forests, biodiversity, and combating climate change, by utilizing their valuable experience and knowledge.

The 40th meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee took place at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with Chairman Saber Hossain Chowdhury presiding.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on various topics, including damages to biodiversity in the Sundarbans, a report on the haor ecosystem, air pollution, and illegal sand extraction. Additionally, concerns were raised about illegal establishments on St Martin's Island, said a press release.

The committee underscored the importance of implementing researcher Sirajul Hossain's report on biodiversity loss in the Sundarbans and the haor ecosystem.

 In an effort to protect reserved forest areas, the meeting called for stronger measures to curb illegal sand extraction.

Directives were also issued to take necessary precautions against environmental polluters, especially within different types of hotels, motels, resorts, and other establishments on St Martin's Island.

The meeting was attended, among others, by Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin, Deputy Minister Habibun Nahar, and  secretaries from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.