The Institute for Development Policy Analysis and Advocacy (IDPAA) at Proshika on . Sunday welcomed the government decision to prohibit the use of leaded fuel by automobiles and phase out two-stroke engines (three-wheeler auto-rickshaws) by the 2001 instead of2003, reports BSS.

"These are extremely encouraging steps." said Md Sha-habuddin, head of IDPAA and director. Proshika. In a statement he said building a future pollution-free and environment-friendly Dhaka City depends largely on the implementation of these decisions.'' he added. ,

He noted that public exposure to increasing air pollution hastens 15.000 premature deaths every year and causes the worst forms of health hazards victimising children in the city.

To protect the city from continued environmental degradation and save the citizens from its adverse impact. IDPAA. Coalition of Environmental NGOs (Cen). Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh (ADAB) and other, organisations dealing with environmental issues have long been advocaUng for the formation and Implementation of such policies.