Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor for environment, forest, and climate change, on Monday said Bangladesh needs US assistance in cleaning up the Buriganga river and mapping its major polluting sources, during a meeting with US embassy officials.

In the meeting, Rizwana also emphasised the importance of joint efforts in wildlife conservation to protect Bangladesh’s rich biodiversity.

She was holding the meeting with US Embassy Charge d'Affaires Helen Lafave and other US embassy officials as well as USAID representatives at her office in Bangladesh Secretariat.

The environment ministry’s secretary and additional secretary were also present on the occasion.

The environment advisor said our government is taking action-oriented steps, rather than merely developing action plans. We aim to make environmental governance more people-centric and involve students to raise awareness about pollution control. We are working to bridge the gap between public expectations and authorities’ actions.

Charge d'Affaires Lafave expressed her support for Bangladesh's environmental initiatives, stating, the United States is committed to working together with Bangladesh on environment- and climate-related actions. This collaboration will focus on addressing pollution, protecting wildlife, and taking collective steps towards a sustainable future.