Dhaka:State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shaikh Faridul Islam, announced that the Bangladesh government is prioritizing solar power, pollution control, and tree plantation to enhance environmental protection and climate resilience.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the emphasis is on expanding solar power usage, increasing electric vehicles, closing polluting brick kilns, restoring canals, and planting 25 crore trees. These initiatives were discussed during a meeting with a European Union delegation at the Bangladesh Secretariat, part of the EU's outreach on clean energy and climate priorities ahead of COP-31.
Faridul highlighted the need to leverage opportunities for installing solar power systems on rooftops of residential and industrial buildings, as well as government institutions, to diversify the energy supply. He underscored the importance of quality technology, financing, skilled manpower, and maintenance for solar power expansion.
In tackling air pollution, the state minister emphasized shutting down illegal brick kilns and enforcing environmental regulations. The government is promoting environment-friendly blocks and alternative construction materials, alongside reducing pollution from brick production, vehicle emissions, and construction dust.
Faridul detailed the government's tree plantation initiative, stressing the importance of proper care and survival of planted saplings. He called for community, educational, and private sector participation in these environmental efforts.
He noted the significant impact of climate change on livelihoods, agriculture, and infrastructure, highlighting the need for disaster preparedness, coastal protection, afforestation, water management, and climate-resilient infrastructure in adaptation strategies. Local demands and vulnerable populations' needs are critical to these implementations.
The state minister also discussed the importance of a carbon credit framework to attract investment in emission reduction and sought cooperation from the EU for implementing Bangladesh's national priorities in clean energy and climate resilience. Looking ahead to COP-31, he stressed turning international cooperation into actionable programs for environmental protection.
The meeting was chaired by acting Environment Secretary Dr. Fahmida Khanam and attended by officials including European Union representatives and the German Embassy in Dhaka.