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Govt encouraging shift to EVs to reduce carbon emissions: Mintoo
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has said the government plans to introduce electric vehicles in larger scale than they are today, in a bid to reduce carbon emission and build an environment-friendly transportation system in the country.
“The government is already planning to introduce 'electric vehicles' to develop an environmentally friendly transportation system and reduce carbon emissions,” he said.
The minister made this remark, when International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director for Bangladesh Max Tuñón met him at his ministry office on Tuesday, said a PID handout on Wednesday.
He told the IL0 Country Director that the government has taken various effective initiatives under the ‘Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)’ policy to ensure sustainable waste management. The government is working relentlessly to make plastic waste management more organised and mandatory, he said.
The Environment Minister said his ministry has taken various initiatives to strengthen Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) installation for industrial waste management.
Besides, he said the government has taken initiatives to install large-scale solar panels (solar power) nationwide to reduce pressure on electricity and increase the use of renewable energy.
ILO Country Director for Max Tuñón expressed interest in expanding ongoing cooperation in Bangladesh’s environment, forest and climate sectors and placed special emphasis on Just Transition in issues of mutual interest involving the Environment Ministry and other ministries.
Noting that the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) workshop would be held in Gazipur next month, he emphasized the pioneering role of
the Environment Ministry in maintaining international standards in plastic recycling, waste management and environmental protection
He urged for working in coordination with various non-governmental organizations and development partner countries in this regard.
During the meeting, they also discussed strengthening cooperation in tackling plastic pollution, conservation of environment, sustainable development, pollution control, expansion of renewable energy, carbon credits, climate financing, circular economy and biodiversity conservation.
Two additional secretaries of the Environment Ministry and senior officials from the ILO country office in Bangladesh were present at the meeting, reports UNB.