The government has decided to develop regulations under the Hazardous Substances Control Act to combat lead pollution. Reports will be sought from various ministries to inform these regulations. Additionally, existing initiatives will be reviewed, and their outcomes will be presented to formulate a comprehensive policy. A working committee will be formed to develop a time-bound action plan. Environmental clearance will be required for lead pollution sources, and any identified gaps in efforts will be addressed.
This decision was made during the first meeting of the Multisectoral Steering Committee, which was convened to create an integrated action plan for identifying, controlling, and preventing the harmful effects of lead pollution. The meeting took place on Tuesday in the conference room of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, presided over by the Ministry’s Secretary, Dr. Farhina Ahmed.
The meeting emphasized the need to enhance capacity for monitoring lead pollution and called for increased research efforts. The implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will be enforced to manage waste related to lead pollution, particularly in the battery and recycling industries. Awareness campaigns will be launched, and measures will be taken to identify pollution sources. A small working committee will be formed under the Health Services Division to expand laboratory facilities. The Ministry of Education will also incorporate this issue into its curriculum.
Representatives from various government institutions and international organizations, including UNICEF, WHO, the World Bank, USAID, ADB, Pure Earth Bangladesh, as well as national private organizations such as ESDO, Bangladesh Paint Manufacturers Association, Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association, Accumulator Battery Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Aluminium Manufacturers Association, were present at the meeting.
