DHAKA, Jan 11, 2022 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin today said the government is considering investment tax exemption for environment-friendly equipment and resources, and income tax exemption for green service providers with a view to checking environmental pollution.

   "At the same time, the imposition of green tax to discourage pollution is also under consideration. In terms of green tax incentives and the imposition of green taxes, the main objectives are: to increase investment in the environment-friendly technology sector; encourage industries to mobilise resources rich in green technology; dissemination of green technology service providers and discouragement of polluting activities," he said.

    The environment minister said this while speaking at the award ceremony titled, 'Green Inclusive Business Champions', organised by Greentech Foundation, Bangladesh in collaboration with Bangladesh Bank, at Gulshan Shooting Club here this evening. 

   CVF Presidency Bangladesh Special Envoy Abul Kalam Azad, former Secretary Nazrul Islam Khan and Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Abu Farah Md Naser were present at the meeting with Greentech Foundation Chairman Prof Dr AKM Mazid in the chair, a ministry press release said. 

    Speaking as the chief guest, Shahab Uddin said the government had earlier set up a fund of Taka 200 crore through the central bank to encourage the use of clean and green technology for green inclusive business development. 

   Initiatives have been taken to invest more than 50 green products in green projects run through refinancing, he said, adding that a special fund has been set up by the Department of Environment (DoE) for the development and dissemination of environment-friendly green technologies, conducting research, and encouraging eco-friendly business or enterprise, through which entrepreneurs will be encouraged to set up eco-friendly factories and businesses.

   The minister said Bangladesh has no choice but to enter the 'green economy' to avoid the growing risk of environmental pollution.

   The government has adopted specific policies for environmental protection and pollution control to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 in line with the socioeconomic context of Bangladesh, he said.
  
  He said the government has already reduced some supplementary tariffs on solar panels and hybrid vehicles. 

   The DoE is constantly working to protect the environment and the environment by bringing the polluting industrial establishments and projects under compliance through strict enforcement of the Environmental Protection Act, Shahab Uddin said. 

   He said the DoE also collects compensation from polluting industrial establishments or projects for environmental and environmental damage. 

   "Since 2010, about Taka 190 crore has been collected for environmental and environmental damage," he added. 

   At the event, awards were given to 10 green projects selected in phases out of 80 green project ideas coming from throughout the country.