, Sept. 20 -- Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Saturday ordered stronger enforcement, institutional capacity, transparency and accountability in environmental regulation, warning against 'faulty clearances' that jeopardise Bangladesh's natural resources.

Speaking at a World Bank seminar titled 'Strengthening Environmental Regulatory and Enforcement Capacity for a Sustainable Bangladesh' in Sreepur, Gazipur, Rizwana pressed officials of the Department of Environment (DoE) to act 'creatively and fearlessly'.

"Enforcement is not just about fines. It must include transparency, alternatives and community empowerment," she said.

The adviser urged the DoE to prioritise pollution hotspots such as dyeing units, cement plants and brick...