Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo held a meeting with French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat today.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on a range of issues related to environment, forestry, and climate change. State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam and Secretary Md Rayhan Kawsar were also present.
The minister highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives and future plans to protect the environment by addressing air, water, and noise pollution, while ensuring climate-resilient development. He said long-term measures are being implemented through city corporations and municipalities for proper waste collection and disposal, including scientific management of landfill sites such as Matuail, alongside efforts to reduce plastic waste.
He expressed hope that development partners would continue to support Bangladesh in strengthening environmental protection efforts.
On afforestation, the minister said the government is working to fulfill its commitment to plant 250 million trees over five years, with a yearly target of 50 million trees.
The French ambassador emphasized the need to accelerate the implementation of projects funded by the French government in Bangladesh and reaffirmed France’s continued support for environmental protection and sustainable development.
He also expressed interest in strengthening bilateral relations further and congratulated the BNP on its recent electoral victory.
Both sides discussed enhancing cooperation in environmental conservation, forest management, climate change mitigation, green afforestation, technology transfer, pollution control, and eco-friendly infrastructure development.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation in tackling climate challenges and promoting sustainable development.
