Govt to probe ministry's favour

Hasan Mahmud, the minister of forest and environment, yesterday said he would investigate his ministry's decision to cut Tk 40 lakh penalty money, slapped against Hall-Mark Group, down to Tk 4 lakh.
The Department of Environment fined the company for initiating an industrial park at Savar on the outskirts of the capital without any environmental clearance.
The Daily Star ran a report on the issue yesterday.
“The ministry will investigate the matter and take action accordingly,” the minister said, addressing a seminar at Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh.
The ruling Awami League organised the seminar on the grand alliance government's three years of tackling environment degradation, successes, and future challenges.
Hasan Mahmud said he has heard of the news published in The Daily Star yesterday. “I'll read it thoroughly and start investigation.”
He said anyone or any institution can appeal to the ministry to get a fine reduced and the ministry can review it.
The minister thanked The Daily Star for its continuous efforts on environmental issues. He, however, criticised an earlier report headlined “A wild wish for hippo” published in the English daily.