Joint action in curbing pollution stressed

Bangladesh and India on Monday discussed transboundary air and river pollution, stressing the need to exchange scientific data, maintain regular communication between relevant agencies and strengthen coordination to address environmental challenges.

The two sides also agreed to hold the next meeting of the joint working group under the existing memorandum of understanding on biodiversity conservation in the Sundarbans, as well as the next bilateral meeting under the protocol on Royal Bengal Tiger conservation.

The issues were discussed at a meeting between Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Auwal Mintu and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi at the ministry. Environment Deputy Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam and Acting Secretary Dr Fahmida Khanam were also present.

It was also decided that the next meeting on transboundary Asian elephant conservation would be held in India.

The meeting discussed environmental and climate change issues, transboundary environmental problems, carbon credits, emission reduction and the development of a green economy.

Trivedi said there were opportunities to expand cooperation between the two neighbouring countries by prioritising mutual interests and the welfare of their people.