LGRD minister Md Tajul Islam on Thursday said that the government will soon launch a driveto free rivers surrounding Dhaka from pollution and illegal occupation to increase navigability. The drive will be launched with the concerned officials as per masterplan, said the minister, reports UNB.

He made the remarks while addressing an online meeting of the Master Plan Preparation Committee at his ministry's office. The minister said the government is committed to make the rivers pollution free, restoring natural beauty, increase productivity and navigability for the socio-economic development of the country.

Welcoming the drive by the Ministry of Shipping to free the rivers around Dhaka, Md. Tajul Islam said, "This campaign should be continued to make all the rivers of the country, including around Dhaka, free from occupation and pollution."

As per the directive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a master plan has been formulated to prevent encroachment and pollution of all rivers surrounding Dhaka, said the minister.

The Minister sought the cooperation of all to expedite the implementation of this master plan as per the road map. Md. Tajul Islam said, "If we do not implement the guidelines, problems and challenges identified in the master plan, all our labor will not bring any benefit. We have to do everything to fulfill the responsibility given to us by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. We have to work hard."

Meanwhile, the local government minister directed the mayor of Dhaka North and South City Corporation and all concerned including Dhaka WASA MD to work together to prevent waterlogging in the capital.