No compromise on environment

Dhaka, Jan 3 (bdnews24.com)--Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has said that her government will not compromise over conservation of the environment, warning real estate developers in particular against unplanned construction in the capital.

Speaking at the inauguration of International Conference on Bangladesh Environment 2010 on Sunday, Hasina warned that the government would not approve any more housing projects in the capital that violated the relevant environmental laws.

"We must protect the land, water bodies and rivers from the land-grabbers. The government will not accept such violations any more."

She said not a single [housing] plan would be approved if it did not include a water body, despite threats to one of her cabinet members.

"The minister is in a tight spot for that decision. Some people are even threatening him. But some things cannot be bought by money."

She said the government would remain steadfast in its resolve and not a single housing project would be approved without the requirements.