Dhaka, Oct 21, 2020 (BSS) – Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin today said the government is working to create a sustainable environment by implementing extensive afforestation programs and controlling pollution.
The minister came up with the remark when the Norwegian Ambassador in Dhaka Espen Rikter-Svendsen joined a meeting with the minister through a video conference, an official press release said.
He said Bangladesh is now leading various international forums on climate change.
Shahab Uddin said Bangladesh will be able to play a stronger role in the International Forum on Climate Change through the opening of the Regional Office of the Climate Vulnerability Forum and the Global Center of Adaptation in Dhaka.
Additional Environment Secretary Mahmud Hasan, Additional Secretary (Development) Ahmad Shamim Al Razi, Additional Secretary (Climate Change) Md Mizanul Hoque Chowdhury and Director General of the Department of Environment Dr AKM Rafique Ahammed spoke on the occasion.
The Norwegian envoy said there are many environmental similarities between Bangladesh and Norway as both countries are located on the coast.
“That’s why the two countries have the opportunity to work on the sea,” he said, adding, “Norway has experience working in the ship recycling industry”.
In this case, Rikter-Svendsen said, mutual cooperation should be strengthened. Norway is now interested in trade and investment, he added.
During the meeting, they discussed the possibility of working together in tackling climate change impacts, poverty alleviation, plastic pollution control and other issues.
They pledged to work together in various areas related to waste management and various development activities, including biogas.
