Staff Correspondent

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo on Tueasay stressed the need for coordinated efforts among all ministries, departments, and stakeholders to build a transparent, accountable, and effective carbon market while safeguarding Bangladesh's national interests.

Speaking at an inter-ministerial meeting on the draft 'Bangladesh Carbon Market Framework' at the Bangladesh Secretariat, Minister Mintu noted that international carbon markets could unlock new opportunities for climate finance, technology transfer, and green investments.

"While pursuing these opportunities, we must ensure environmental integrity, transparency, accountability, and equitable benefits for local communities and stakeholders," the minister said.

He emphasized that a functional carbon market will play a vital role in implementing Bangladesh's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Accurate accounting, verification of greenhouse gas reduction and removal activities, and strict adherence to international standards remain essential to achieving this, he added.

The draft 'Bangladesh Carbon Market Framework' was prepared under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change—acting as the Article 6 Designated National Authority (A6 DNA)—with technical support from the World Bank’s Partnership for Market Implementation (PMI) program.

Addressing the meeting as a special guest, State Minister for Environment Sheikh Faridul Islam highlighted the Prime Minister's directive to launch official state carbon trading as soon as possible.

"While private carbon trading has begun on a limited scale in Bangladesh, we have yet to start official government-led trading. The Prime Minister has directed us to initiate this at the earliest," Islam said.

Dr. Md. Saimum Parvez, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Environment, Forest and Climate Change, advised all relevant agencies to expedite their efforts so Bangladesh can formally enter the global carbon market without delay.

Presiding over the meeting, Environment Secretary Dr. Fahmida Khanam stated that the framework will be finalized based on feedback from participating ministries and technical experts. Once adopted, it will establish a clear institutional structure for approving, accounting, monitoring, and sharing profits from carbon credits.

During the session, Joint Secretary Dharitri Kumar Sarkar presented a technical overview of the draft framework. High-level representatives from key government bodies—including the Economic Relations Division (ERD), Ministry of Railways, Energy and Mineral Resources Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Local Government Division, and Power Division—attended and offered strategic recommendations to finalize the national framework.