Desk Report:
French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc SÉRÉ-CHARLET met with Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Abdul Awal Mintoo at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday (March 30, 2026). During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on various issues in the environment, forest and climate sectors. State Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam and Secretary Md. Raihan Kawsar were present at the meeting.
Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo highlighted the various initiatives and future plans of the ministry to prevent air, water and noise pollution and ensure climate-resilient development in Bangladesh. He said that long-term plans are being implemented to reduce plastic waste, including waste collection, removal and scientific management at landfill sites like Matuail, through city corporations and municipalities. He expressed hope that development partners will stand by us in this regard.
Regarding the implementation of the tree plantation program, the Environment Minister further said that according to the government’s manifesto, 250 million trees will be planted in 5 years and 50 million trees per year. In this regard, relentless work is being done to implement the government’s election pledge.
In addition, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of accelerating the progress of the implementation of various projects of this ministry funded by the French government. Ambassador Jean-Marc SÉRÉ-CHARLET assured that France’s cooperation in environmental conservation and sustainable development in Bangladesh will continue. He expressed his interest in further strengthening the existing friendly relations between the two countries. He thanked BNP for its recent landslide victory in the 13th National Parliament.
During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening mutual cooperation in environmental conservation, forest management and combating climate change. Special emphasis was placed on green afforestation, technology exchange, pollution prevention, building environment-friendly infrastructure and joint initiatives to combat the effects of climate change.
