Dhaka: South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP): Director General Norbu Wanchuk today paid a courtesy call on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo at his secretariat office here. During the meeting, discussions focused on air and water pollution control, plastic reduction, climate change mitigation, waste management, and biodiversity conservation among member countries, said an official handout.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussions put emphasis on strengthening cooperation among SACEP member states in the highlighted areas. The minister called for enhanced collaboration with SACEP on various environmental protection issues in Bangladesh, stating that the government has undertaken multiple initiatives to address air, water, noise, and marine pollution as well as climate change challenges.
Minister Mintoo also detailed the government’s tree plantation programme, aligning with the electoral manifesto, which aims to plant 25 crore trees over five years at a rate of five crore trees per year. He added that the government is working continuously to implement its electoral commitments regarding environmental issues.
The SACEP Director General expressed a commitment to jointly work with member countries in accordance with various international conventions on environmental protection and climate change mitigation. Senior officials from the ministry and SACEP were also present at the meeting.