'If We Can Escape the System of Plunder, the Country Will Change': Climate Change Trust MD Kazi Raonakul Islam Tipu

Kazi Raonakul Islam Tipu, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust, stated that if the country can break free from the "system of plunder," solutions will emerge across all sectors, leading to a overall transformation of the nation. "The people of the country will reap the benefits, and in time, they will realize their true potential," he remarked.

He made these statements on Monday afternoon following an inspection of the DND canal project in Fatullah, Narayanganj. During his visit, he reviewed the construction of walkways along the banks of the DND canal near Bhuigar Ruplayan Town and the Shahibazar area.

Commenting on the initiative, the Managing Director expressed that while he is not entirely satisfied with the overall environmental state, human behavior remains key to meaningful change. "We are funding this project through the Climate Change Trust to build climate resilience and ensure public safety. Walking along these pathways will provide a direct safeguard for the community," he said.

He highlighted that carbon emissions remain high and difficult to control directly. To mitigate this, tree plantation drives are planned alongside the new walkways to absorb carbon. Additionally, drainage systems have been developed to redirect stagnant waste water straight into the canal. Although minor operational flaws exist, he noted that the overall execution strategy is solid and will greatly benefit local residents once fully implemented.

Addressing the critical role of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) in nearby factories, Tipu explained that Central ETPs are too costly to implement. Instead, individual factories must install ETPs as quickly as possible.

"No factory should operate without an ETP, and whenever a factory is running, its ETP must run as well. The Honorable Prime Minister has already directed the Ministry of Industries to resolve existing shortcomings and enforce this standard," he added. He concluded by stressing that ensuring a clean environment is a collective responsibility and that everyone must step up to drive the country forward.

The project funded by the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and supervised by the Bangladesh Water Development Board is being executed by the 24th Engineer Construction Brigade of the Bangladesh Army.

The initiative includes bank protection, afforestation, and the construction of approximately 6,202 meters of walkways across five canals, spanning Bhuigar Canal Bank behind Rupayan Town, Shahibazar, Pilkuni Peyarabagan, Lucky Bazar WAPDA Bridge, Dhankunda-East Kadamtali, Jalkuri Taltala, Adamjee Nagar Pump House area, and Shimrail Hirajhil.