Politicians call for party ban on canal grabbers, environmental violators

Leaders from various political parties have urged their parties not to nominate individuals involved in canal grabbing or environmental destruction in the next national election. 

Manifestoes should not only promise environmental protection but must also reflect genuine political will, they said at a dialogue titled "Road to Green Manifesto: Dialogue on Political Manifesto" held in Dhaka today (26 July).

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said environmental protection would be a top priority in his party's manifesto and those involved in encroaching canals and wetlands would not be nominated by the BNP in the upcoming national election.

"Canal grabbers and wetland encroachers must not be nominated. We will make that clear," he said, adding that agriculture and food security would also be major pillars of their pledges.

Criticising the absence of accountability under the "previous autocratic regime", Khasru said: "This time, things will be different. People will hold parties accountable. If BNP comes to power, you'll have every right to ask, 'What have you done for the environment?'"

He also said the very fact that leaders from rival parties are sitting together to discuss these issues is itself a positive sign of democratic practice.

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahboob Zubair offered a symbolic idea, suggesting that political leaders, mayors, and MPs bathe twice a year in Dhaka's canals and rivers to raise awareness and ensure their cleanliness. 

"If this is done under political leadership, it can set a strong example – this happens in parts of Europe and China," he said.

Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque called for legal recognition of major polluters and encroachers as "environmental criminals". He insisted that such individuals should be disqualified from election nominations.

Abdul Hannan Masud, senior joint chief coordinator of the NCP, stressed the need for political unity on environmental issues. 

"Our party aims to promote a Green City model, not just Smart Cities," he said. "Environmental issues must be addressed under a climate justice framework, particularly for the vulnerable."

Masud added that while national budgets do allocate funds for the environment, agriculture, and food security, implementation at the grassroots remains weak.

Asaduzzaman Fuad, general secretary of the AB Party, warned that the rapid expansion of residential areas was reducing arable land, threatening food security. 

"We must ensure proper land use planning to secure our future in terms of food, environment, and climate change," he said.

However, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan delivered a stark reminder that manifestos alone are not enough. 

"Political parties write wonderful things in their manifestos, but we rarely see implementation. Environmental pledges must be followed through," she said.

Rizwana added that environmental issues can no longer be treated as secondary. "This is a matter of public interest and state priority. Parties must face public accountability over their green promises."

She added, "Protecting the environment is no longer just policy – it is a moral obligation. We owe a safe, liveable Bangladesh to the next generation."

Other speakers at the event included BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo, Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, and Rashed Khan, general secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad.