Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has announced government plans to introduce electric vehicles on a larger scale to reduce carbon emissions and establish an environmentally friendly transportation system in the country.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister made this statement during a meeting with International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director for Bangladesh Max Tu±³n at his ministry office. A PID handout on Wednesday detailed the discussion, where Mintoo highlighted the government’s initiatives under the ‘Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)’ policy aimed at ensuring sustainable waste management. He emphasized efforts to organize and mandate plastic waste management.
The Environment Minister also noted that his ministry is working on strengthening Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) installations for better industrial waste management. Additionally, Mintoo outlined plans to install large-scale solar panels nationwide to alleviate pressure on electricity and boost the use of renewable energy.
During the meeting, ILO Country Director Max Tu±³n expressed interest in enhancing ongoing cooperation in Bangladesh’s environment, forest, and climate sectors. He placed special emphasis on Just Transition regarding mutual interests involving the Environment Ministry and other ministries. Tu±³n also noted the upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) workshop in Gazipur and highlighted the ministry’s pioneering role in maintaining international standards in plastic recycling, waste management, and environmental protection.
The discussions also covered strengthening cooperation in addressing plastic pollution, environmental conservation, sustainable development, pollution control, renewable energy expansion, carbon credits, climate financing, circular economy, and biodiversity conservation. The meeting was attended by two additional secretaries of the Environment Ministry and senior officials from the ILO country office in Bangladesh.