DHAKA, Oct 21, 2020 (BSS) – Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Minister Md Shahab Uddin today said the government is working to
create a sustainable environment by implementing extensive
afforestation programmes and controlling pollution.
The minister came up with the remark when the Norwegian Ambassador
in Dhaka Espen Rikter-Svendsen joined a meeting with the minister
through a video conference, an official press release said.
He said Bangladesh is now leading various international forums on
climate change.
Shahab Uddin said Bangladesh will be able to play a stronger role
in the International Forum on Climate Change through the opening of
the Regional Office of the Climate Vulnerability Forum and the Global
Center of Adaptation in Dhaka.
Additional Environment Secretary Mahmud Hasan, Additional Secretary
(Development) Ahmad Shamim Al Razi, Additional Secretary (Climate
Change) Md Mizanul Hoque Chowdhury and Director General of the
Department of Environment Dr AKM Rafique Ahammed spoke on the
occasion.
The Norwegian envoy said there are many environmental similarities
between Bangladesh and Norway as both countries are located on the
coast.
“That’s why the two countries have the opportunity to work on the
sea,” he said, adding, “Norway has experience working in the ship
recycling industry”.
In this case, Rikter-Svendsen said, mutual cooperation should be
strengthened. Norway is now interested in trade and investment, he
added.
During the meeting, they discussed the possibility of working
together in tackling climate change impacts, poverty alleviation,
plastic pollution control and other issues.
They pledged to work together in various areas related to waste
management and various development activities, including biogas.