Accra:A seminar emphasized the need for coordinated actions to implement Bangladesh's national strategy for a lead-free country. The focus was on environmental monitoring, safer industrial practices, site remediation, and stronger public health responses.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Department of Environment, in collaboration with Pure Earth Bangladesh, organized the seminar titled "Advancing to a Lead-Free Bangladesh Scaling Solutions, Driving Youth Action." The event coincided with the 14th International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and aligned with the global theme, "From Detection to Prevention."
Abdul Awal Mintoo, the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, highlighted the importance of incorporating the National Strategy and Multi-Year Action Plan for a Lead-Free Bangladesh 2026-2035 into work plans, institutional capabilities, and measurable outcomes. He emphasized the need for investment in testing facilities, environmental monitoring, and public health responses, along with support from development partners and the private sector.
The national strategy, approved by the Cabinet on August 17, aims to reduce children with elevated blood lead levels by 50 percent by 2030 and 95 percent by 2035. Mitali Das, Country Director of Pure Earth Bangladesh, discussed efforts to advance an Extended Producer Responsibility directive for lead-acid batteries, noting the economic burden of lead exposure, which cost Bangladesh an estimated US$28.6 billion in health-related losses in 2019.
Mohammed Solaiman Haider from the Department of Environment described the development of procedures for the lead-acid battery industry, and Dr. Quazi Ahmed Zaki of the IEDCR called for enhanced public health responses to lead exposure. Aftab Uz Zaman Khan of Pure Earth Bangladesh presented findings from a lead-remediation initiative, showing a significant reduction in blood lead levels among participants.
Youth-led initiatives also featured prominently at the seminar, with Sheikh Sajidul Islam showcasing solutions for lead pollution prevention. The event marked the launch of the National Youth Alliance for a Lead-Free Bangladesh, engaging young people in advocacy and awareness.
Pure Earth Bangladesh donated portable X-ray fluorescence analyzers to the Department of Environment for rapid environmental monitoring. Mohammad Navid Safiullah of the MoEFCC emphasized the importance of the government's partnership with Pure Earth in addressing lead pollution. The seminar was attended by over 100 representatives from various sectors, including government, academia, and civil society.