Mohammad Sharifuzzaman (Special Correspondent): Bangladesh Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo was paid a courtesy call on International Labor Organization Country Director in Bangladesh, Mr. Max Tunon, at his office in the ministry on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
The meeting had fruitful discussions on strengthening cooperation in plastic pollution, environmental protection, sustainable development, pollution control, expansion of renewable energy, carbon credits, climate finance, circular economy and biodiversity conservation.
The Environment Minister welcomed the ILO Country Director and his delegation and said that the government has taken various effective initiatives under the “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)” policy to ensure sustainable waste management. The government is working continuously to make plastic waste management more organized and mandatory.
The Minister further said that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has taken various initiatives to strengthen the ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant) activities in industrial waste management and environmental protection in Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh government is already planning to introduce “Electric Vehicles” to develop an environment-friendly transport system and reduce carbon emissions. In addition, 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.
Mr. Max Tunon, Country Director of the International Labor Organization, emphasized the pioneering role of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in maintaining international standards in plastic recycling, waste management and environmental protection at the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) workshop to be held in Gazipur next month. In this regard, he urged to work in coordination with various non-governmental organizations and development partner countries.
During the meeting, the ILO Country Director expressed interest in further expanding the ongoing cooperation in the environment, forest and climate sectors of Bangladesh and special emphasis was placed on Just Transition, a matter of mutual interest of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and other ministries.
The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary (Climate Change), Additional Secretary (Environment Division) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and senior officials of the ILO Country Office in Bangladesh.