DHAKA, October 13, 2026: Bangladesh is prioritising solar power expansion, pollution control, electric mobility and large-scale tree planting to strengthen environmental protection and climate resilience, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam has said.
He outlined the government’s priorities at a meeting with the European Union delegation and representatives of European countries at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday. The meeting was organised as part of the EU’s outreach programme on clean energy, climate priorities and COP31.
The state minister said the government was promoting rooftop solar installations in residential buildings, industries and public institutions, alongside solar-powered irrigation where feasible. He stressed the need for quality technology, adequate financing, skilled personnel and regular maintenance to ensure sustainable growth in solar power.
On air pollution, he highlighted the need to shut down illegal and environmentally harmful brick kilns, enforce environmental regulations and promote eco-friendly blocks and alternative construction materials. The government is also addressing dust from construction, vehicle emissions and inadequate waste management.
Islam said the government’s initiative to plant 250 million trees should prioritise native species, suitable locations and long-term survival. He called for stronger participation by local communities, educational institutions, young people and the private sector in planting and maintaining trees.
Addressing climate adaptation, he said floods, cyclones, heatwaves, heavy rainfall and salinity were increasingly threatening livelihoods, agriculture, water resources and infrastructure. Government efforts are focusing on disaster preparedness, early warning systems, coastal protection, afforestation, water management and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The state minister also highlighted the development of a carbon credit framework to attract investment in emissions reduction and carbon removal. He said transparent project approval, emissions measurement, independent verification and safeguards against double counting would be essential to maintaining its credibility.
Ahead of COP31, he emphasised Bangladesh’s adaptation needs and climate finance priorities, calling for stronger cooperation with the EU and European partners on clean energy, green transport, pollution control, climate-resilient water management and carbon markets.
Officials from the environment ministry, the EU delegation and the German, Danish and French diplomatic missions attended the meeting.
