Published: 10:59 AM, 15 October 2026
National work plan to be ensured with a view to prevent lead pollution: Environment Minister
Forest. Environment and Climate change Minister Dr. Abdul Awal Mintoo has said that, effective implementation of national action plan to be ensured to prevent lead adulteration. He made the remarks at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel in the capital on Wednesday while addressing at the seminar titled “Advancing to a Lead- Free Bangladesh: Scaling solution and Active Participation of Youth”. The program was organized by the Pure Earth Bangladesh on the occasion of International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week-2026.
He further said that, on August 17 of 2026, the cabinet endorsed the National strategy and Multi- year Action Plan -2026 to 2035 for building a lead free Bangladesh. It has been emphasized through the action plan that, identification of sources of lead pollution, environmental surveillance, strengthening institutional capacity, strengthening laws and regulations, responsible participation of the industrial sectors, creating public awareness, research and inter- institutional coordination, he added. He also called on financial and technical assistance to development partners, international organizations and private sectors to implement the national action plan. At that time Minister however urged the youth to be more active involvement in the lead free Bangladesh movement.
The seminar officially launched the National Youth Alliance for a Lead free Bangladesh to prevent lead pollution. In addition, the winners of the drawing and innovative initiative competition was organized to create awareness regarding on lead pollution and invent effective solutions at the local level were awarded. Moreover, two portable X-ray fluorescence analyzers were handed over to the Environment Department to boost the lead pollution detection capacity.
The seminar was presided over by the Ministry concerned Additional Secretary Mohammad Navid Shafiullah and keynote papers was presented by the Pure Earth Bangladesh Senior Program Manager Aftab Uz Zaman Khan. Institute of Epidemiology Director Professor Dr. Kazi Ahmed Zaki, Environment Department ADG Mohammad Solaiman Haider, Pure Earth Bangladesh country Director Mitali Das were also spoke at the event.
