He made the call at a review meeting with representatives of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) in the ministry's conference room on Sunday. The meeting discussed controlling air pollution in Dhaka metropolis and across the country during the upcoming dry season and increasing the use of eco-friendly blocks as an alternative to bricks.

The minister said that construction sites must be enclosed, construction materials including soil and sand must be covered, water must be sprinkled regularly, and construction waste must be removed quickly. In addition to keeping transport vehicles covered and ensuring that they move on roads after cleaning their wheels, dumping construction materials on roads and sidewalks must also be avoided.

State Minister for Environment Sheikh Faridul Islam said that measures to control dust pollution must be made part of the daily activities of construction projects. He called on REHAB member organizations to adopt project-based plans to increase the use of eco-friendly blocks and to coordinate with relevant government agencies.

At the meeting, REHAB President Dr. Ali Afzal and Senior Vice President Md. Abdur Razzaq drew the government's attention to ensuring the quality of blocks and ensuring that construction costs do not increase due to the use of blocks as an alternative to bricks.

Besides, discussions were held on setting targets for the use of eco-friendly blocks in new residential and commercial projects, coordination with relevant authorities including RAJUK, including the use of blocks in building construction approvals, and proposals to rationalize VAT and taxes on blocks and import duties on raw materials.

The meeting emphasized compliance with environmental regulations in construction projects, monitoring progress, and strengthening regular monitoring. At that time, Ministry Acting Secretary Dr. Fahmida Khanam, Additional Secretary Dr. Md. Saidur Rahman, along with relevant officials and REHAB members, were present.