Communications Minister Barrister Nazmul Huda yesterday emphasised the need for resorting discipline in all sphere of civic life by taking all necessary measures to help protect the environment of Dhaka city.

As part of the measures, the government would enforce strictly the ban of polluting two-stroke engines from plying in the city streets from September I, he said while addressing an open discussion on “Environment of Dhaka Metropolitan City."

Organised by the Forum of Environmental Journalists of Bangladesh (FEJB) with support from Ministry of Environment and Forest and UNDP at Bangladesh-China Friendship Convention Centre in the city marking the

World Environment Day.

Presided over by Environment Secretary Sabihuddin Ahmed, it was also addressed by former vice-chancellor of Dhaka University Prof Moniruzzaman Mian, FEJB (.hairman Quamrul Islam Chowdhury. Prof Ahmed Kamal, DG of Department of Environment Hedayelul Islam Chowdhury. WASA Chairman Dr Khondker Azharu) Haq, Dhaka City Corporation chief executive officer A Z M Shafiqul Islam, Prof Mujibur Rahman, Prof Sarwar Jahan, Prof M Q K Talukder. Reazuddin, Omar /Mi and Manjur Hannan Khan.

( iting the massive public support for the government decision to ban polythene and improving traffic congestion. Barrister Huda said, if we act, (hen we can achieve success beyond our imagination.

He said half of the problem

would automatically be solved if we fake any firm action with commitment and determination . and the government is going to be / very firm about enforcing the ban on polluting two-stroke engines from plying on the city streets from September 1.

Prof Mian urged all to come forward to save the River Buri-ganga and Turag from their dying conditions and said the 500-year-old Dhaka has already become inhabitable.

Sabihuddin said a circular waterway would be created around Dhaka connecting the River Buri-ganga, Turag, Balu, Shitalakya and Tong khal.

He said government is determined to improve the air and water quality and shift polluting tanneries from Hazaribagh to some other place.