Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury has announced that 78% of the 100-day priority action plan has been successfully implemented, marking a significant stride towards enhancing environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation across Bangladesh.
Among the key priorities of the Ministry, which encompass institutional capacity building, pollution control, waste management, and biodiversity conservation, 22 out of 28 declared objectives have been fully implemented.
Additionally, four priorities have seen partial implementation, contributing to an overall implementation rate of 85%.
Environment Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said this in the press briefing held on Thursday in the meeting room of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Addressing the challenges faced, he acknowledged ongoing efforts towards the implementation of two remaining priorities, emphasizing the Ministry's commitment to complete all designated tasks.
Innovative measures have been employed to bolster institutional capabilities, including updates to the Ministry's organogram and the adoption of artificial intelligence for enhanced monitoring.
The Minister underscored initiatives such as the formulation of the National Solid Waste Management Framework and updates to Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, aimed at mitigating environmental degradation and promoting sustainable practices.
Furthermore, the Ministry has initiated actions to combat air pollution, conducting raids on 581 brick kilns nationwide and introducing online monitoring for industrial effluent treatment plants (ETP).
Efforts to curb plastic pollution have also been intensified through the identification of single-use plastics and the promotion of responsible waste management practices.
In his address, Saber highlighted collaborative efforts with development partners and civil society organizations (CSOs), underscoring a “whole of government” and “whole of society” approach to environmental stewardship.
Proposals for integrating environmental themes into national budgets and strategies to advance the "Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan" were also discussed.
The Ministry's proactive stance towards environmental protection was further evident in proposals to reclaim encroached forest land and revise compensation mechanisms for environmental offenders.
A renewed focus on climate resilience was emphasized through activities such as the Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership and guidelines for accessing the Climate Change Trust Fund.
He concluded by calling for continued cooperation from all stakeholders to combat environmental pollution, safeguard forests, and mitigate climate change impacts.
He reaffirmed the Ministry's dedication to pursuing sustainable development goals in alignment with national and international frameworks.