Dhaka, April 15 -- Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo on Wednesday expressed optimism that Bangladesh would witness a significant improvement in waste management within the next year, helping protect rivers, canals and other water bodies from pollution.

"Though our government is a new one, we are fully aware of this issue and hope that within the next year you will see significant positive change in waste management to prevent pollution in rivers, canals and beels," he told Parliament.

The minister made the remarks while replying to a question following a notice raised by treasury bench lawmaker SM Rafiqul Islam (Gazipur-3) under Rule 71 of the Rules of Procedure.

Focusing on environmental degradation, Mi...