LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said the encroachment and filling up of Dhaka’s canals have significantly worsened waterlogging in the capital.
“If the existing canals can be recovered, cleaned, and reconnected with the rivers, the situation will improve. At the same time, coordinated efforts by the administration and citizens are needed to keep surrounding rivers, including the Turag, free from encroachment. Without protecting the rivers and canals, Dhaka’s environmental crisis will turn severe,” he said while addressing a seminar as the chief guest.
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) organised the seminar titled “Urban Waste Management: A Shared Responsibility for All” at its Gulshan office.
The minister said the government was working to restore several rivers, including the Buriganga, Turag, and Shitalakkhya.
“A project to bring water from the Meghna river is also progressing to reduce dependence on groundwater. However, implementing these initiatives requires both time and financial resources,” he said.
Mirza Fakhrul called for raising public awareness towards responsible behaviour, including developing the habit of disposing of wastes at designated places.
“If each of us keeps our own surroundings clean, the entire city will remain clean,” he said.
“Awareness about cleanliness must begin at home and be taught from the primary school level,” he added.
He also called for collective action beyond political divisions to improve Dhaka’s waste management.
“Despite financial constraints and other limitations, if everyone follows the rules, fulfils their responsibilities, and works together, Dhaka can become a cleaner, more liveable and sustainable city,” he noted.
Citing the example of AI-based traffic management, he said, “People are capable of following rules if they choose to. Just as effective monitoring and public awareness have improved compliance with traffic regulations, similar positive changes can be achieved in waste management.”
Speaking as a special guest, LGRD State Minister Mir Shahe Alam said city authorities need to become self-reliant and fully empowered institutions to overcome the long-standing institutional and coordination challenges in urban management.
“Bringing Rajuk, Wasa, the power utilities, traffic police and all other agencies involved in urban development under a unified legal and institutional framework would make this possible,” he added.
DNCC Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan chaired the seminar.