Plan to Boost Block Usage in Construction

Syeda Rizwana Hasan,

Dhaka, 2 February: Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, stated that increasing the use of blocks in government construction projects will not only reduce air pollution but also help preserve agricultural land. She emphasized that this is a significant step toward sustainable development and requires collective efforts from all stakeholders.

A consultation meeting was held at the conference room of the Ministry in the

Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka today. The meeting focused on strategies to increase the use of blocks in public construction to mitigate air pollution and protect agricultural land. Adilur Rahman Khan, Advisor to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, and the Ministry of Industries, was also present as a special guest.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan remarked, the use of blocks is not only environmentally friendly but also enhances the efficiency and sustainability of the construction sector. We are committed to coordinating with all relevant ministries and stakeholders to achieve this goal.

She added, This initiative marks a groundbreaking step in environmental conservation and sustainable development. We are dedicated to implementing this plan in collaboration with all concerned departments.

The meeting discussed various policy supports to boost block production and usage. Key proposals included exempting blocks from VAT, reducing customs duties and taxes, and lowering import duties on machinery used for block production.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the need to update the rate schedules of relevant organizations, such as LGED, the Department of Public Works, City Corporations, and Municipalities, to ensure the use of blocks in development projects.

To maintain the quality of all types of blocks, the meeting emphasized the importance of setting national standards with the assistance of the Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI) and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI).

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Attendees included Additional Secretary Tapan Kumar Biswas, Director General of the Department of Environment Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, representatives from various ministries and departments, construction sector experts, and block manufacturing companies. The keynote presentation was delivered by Siddharth Shankar Kundu, Deputy Secretary of the Pollution Control Wing at the Ministry of Environment.

Earlier, a meeting chaired by the Secretary discussed the implementation of a cleanliness program on Saint Martin’s Island. It was preliminarily decided to conduct a cleanliness drive on the island in the second week of February, involving local volunteers, students, and representatives from various organizations. – PID Handout