The first meeting of the Multisectoral Steering Committee, formed to develop an integrated action plan and activities through discussions with relevant stakeholders on detecting lead presence, controlling lead poisoning, and eliminating its effects, was held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at the conference room of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry.
During the meeting, it was decided that a report will be sought from various line ministries, and a rule will be formulated under the Hazardous Act to address the issue of lead contamination. The committee will take stock of the activities already undertaken by stakeholders and present the results, with the goal of formulating a comprehensive policy. A working committee will be formed, tasked with developing a time-bound, practical action plan. Environmental clearances will be provided for sources of lead contamination, and any gaps in current efforts will be identified to improve the response.
Additionally, the meeting emphasized the need for capacity building and research, particularly in the areas of monitoring lead pollution. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will be enforced for the battery and recycling industries to address lead-related waste. Awareness campaigns will be launched, and efforts will be made to identify sources of contamination. A small working group will be established, and more laboratory facilities will be created with the help of the Health Services Division. The Ministry of Education will also integrate the issue of lead poisoning into the national curriculum.
Representatives from different Govt organisations ; international organizations namely UNICEF, WHO, World Bank, USAID, ADB, Pure Earth Bangladesh and National organisations namely ESDO, Bangladesh Paint Manufacturer’s AssociatAssociation, Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association, Accumulator Battery Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Aluminium Manufacturers Association were present in the occasion.