Dhaka, October 14, 2026 - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has called for effective implementation of Bangladesh’s national strategy and action plan to eliminate lead pollution, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to protect children, workers and the environment.
Speaking at a high-level seminar in Dhaka on Wednesday, the minister urged government agencies, industries, development partners and other stakeholders to work together to implement the National Strategy and Multiyear Action Plan for a Lead-Free Bangladesh 2026–2035, approved by the Cabinet on August 17, 2026.
The seminar, organised by Pure Earth Bangladesh with support from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, marked International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2026.
The minister said implementation would require adequate financing, stronger laboratory capacity, environmental monitoring, remediation of contaminated sites and improved industrial management. He also called on international organisations, development partners and the private sector to provide financial and technical support.
Highlighting the lead-acid battery industry, he said the government was developing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework to establish clear responsibilities for manufacturers and importers, ensure the safe collection of used batteries and promote environmentally sound recycling. Industries must comply with environmental regulations and protect the health of workers and surrounding communities, he added.
The seminar also saw the launch of the National Youth Alliance for a Lead-Free Bangladesh. Two portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysers were handed over to the Department of Environment to strengthen its capacity to detect lead contamination. Winners of art and innovation competitions aimed at raising awareness and promoting local solutions were also recognised.
Pure Earth Bangladesh presented its work on implementing the national strategy and addressing lead contamination in Khulna’s Labanchara area. A student of the Islamic University of Technology also presented an innovative proposal for the safe collection and return of used batteries.
The minister called on young people to take a more active role in raising public awareness and developing practical solutions to help build a lead-free Bangladesh.
