Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today spoke as the chief guest at a stakeholders' meeting regarding installation of septic tanks in the capital. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Sept 24, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser 
Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said that ensuring an effective sewerage system is 
essential to transform Dhaka from a brown city into a green and smart 
metropolis. 

For this, the installation of septic tanks or Sewerage Treatment Plants 
(STPs) in every building must be made mandatory, she said.

Rizwana, also the adviser of Ministry of Water Resources, made these remarks 
as the chief guest at a stakeholders' meeting on "Installation of Septic 
Tanks/STPs in Constructed and Under-Construction Buildings within RAJUK 
Jurisdiction" held at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in the capital, 
said a press release today.

She noted that setting up STPs in hospitals, commercial establishments, and 
other facilities in Dhaka city is by no means a difficult task.

Although cleaning up the capital's rivers and canals is a challenge, it is 
not impossible, she said, stressing the need for coordinated efforts and 
behavioral change to stop waste disposal at source. "The problem cannot be 
solved by dredging alone or by shifting responsibility," she added.

The Adviser emphasized the importance of long-term vision, effective 
governance, and legal reforms. She expressed hope that with the amendment and 
effective implementation of the Capital Development Authority Act, Dhaka 
could be transformed into a modern, clean, and environmentally friendly city.

She also laid emphasis on the promotion of rooftop gardening, roadside 
greenery, and park conservation to ensure eco-friendly urban development. At 
the same time, she underscored the strict enforcement of mandatory septic 
tank and STP installation in all buildings to prevent direct discharge of 
waste into rivers and canals.

Mohammad Azaz, administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), and 
Abdul Matin, additional secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public 
Works, joined the event as special guests with RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. 
Riazul Islam in the chair.

RAJUK's Deputy Urban Planner Saeed Rezaul Haque delivered introductory speech 
while thematic presentations were made by Hasin Jahan, country director of 
WaterAid Bangladesh, Rui Wase, managing director of Daiki Axis Bangladesh, 
and Shafiqul Islam, chief executive of Daiki Axis Bangladesh and RAJUK Member 
(Planning) Md. Gias Uddin also spoke.