Dhaka:Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Abdul Awal Mintoo has called for support from development partners, international institutions, and the private sector to tackle lead pollution and safeguard public health.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mintoo made this appeal during a seminar titled 'Advancing to a Lead-Free Bangladesh Scaling Solutions, Driving Youth Action.' The event was organized by the non-governmental organization Pure Earth alongside the Department of Environment (DoE) at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel in observance of International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2026.
During his address, Mintoo highlighted the government's commitment to environmental protection under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He emphasized the National Green Mission and its actions aimed at protecting forests, restoring waterways, and addressing pollution. The prime minister's recent speech at the United Nations General Assembly further underscored these commitments, with initiatives such as planting 250 million trees, promoting clean energy, and excavating canals.
Mintoo also outlined the National Strategy and Multi-Year Action Plan for a Lead-Free Bangladesh for 2026-2035, approved on 17 August 2026. This comprehensive framework aims to reduce lead exposure through coordinated efforts involving surveillance, regulation, public awareness, and private-sector engagement.
The minister stressed the need for financial and technical support to turn these priorities into actionable plans, calling for sustained investment in environmental monitoring, safer industrial practices, and public health responses. He highlighted ongoing efforts to develop an Extended Producer Responsibility framework for the lead-acid battery industry, ensuring responsible recycling and protection of workers and communities.
Mintoo urged all institutions and partners involved to fulfill their responsibilities with urgency and accountability to achieve a lead-free Bangladesh, leading to safer communities and healthier lives.
The seminar also featured speeches from Prof Quazi Ahmed Zaki of IEDCR, Muhammad Solaiman Haider, DoE additional director general, and Mitali Das, Country Director of Pure Earth Bangladesh, with Mohammad Navid Safiullah, additional secretary of the environment ministry, chairing the event. Aftab Uz Zaman Khan, senior programme manager of Pure Earth Bangladesh, presented a power point at the seminar.