DHAKA, Jan 17, 2024 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister

Saber Hossain Chowdhury today sought cooperation from the Asian Development
Bank (ADB) in protecting the country's environment and forests.

He made the remark when ADB Country Representative to Bangladesh Edimon
Ginting met him at his office here.

During the meeting, Saber Hossain said the incumbent government is committed
to protecting the country's environment and forests.

"Therefore, in addition to dealing with climate change, the cooperation of
international development partners like ADB is very necessary for the
development of the country's environment and forests," he said.

The environment minister said to this end, priorities will be set and action
plan will be formulated following Bangladesh National Adaptation Plan and
Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan.

Besides, he said, special effective initiatives will be implemented to check
air and noise pollution, seeking cooperation from international development
partners in conserving and developing the overall environment of the country.

Edimon Ginting, ADB Country Representative, said various programmes adopted
by Bangladesh to deal with climate change impacts, are being followed by
other countries of the world.

He said ADB will always stand by Bangladesh and ADB's cooperation in
Bangladesh will continue in the future.

Earlier, Saber Hossain held a consultation meeting for the preparation of
100-day priority action plan of his ministry on various issues including
waste management, plastic pollution control, air pollution control and
climate change impact.

In the ministry's meeting room at the Bangladesh Secretariat, he exchanged
views with the representatives of various environmental non-governmental
organisations including the BRAC, CPD, ESDO, BELA, Sajida Foundation and
Waste Concern.

Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Climate Change)
Sanjay Kumar Bhowmik, Joint Secretary (Environment) Mohammad Abdul Wadud
Chowdhury, Architect Iqbal Habib and senior officials of the ministry and
non-governmental organisations, among others, were present.