The 3rd Sustainability and Green Growth Working Committee (SGGWC) took place on 9 March 2021 virtually to discuss different tools and Policies for Extended Producers Responsibilities (EPR) for the plastic sector. The meeting was presided over by Ziaul Hasan ndc, Secretary of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of Bangladesh, while Wasim Zakariah, Chairman of Standing Committee on Research & Development, BGMEA was present.
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) will work closely with BUILD as well as other relevant stakeholders to ensure an effective policy on Extended Producer Responsibility for the plastic sector, said the Environment Secretary.
He added that we would form two new sub-committees on recycling and green growth under the existing Sustainability and Green Growth Working Committee (SGGWC). The two new platforms should hold regular discussions and deliberations on critical issues on sustainable development in the private sector.
We are seriously concerned over the issue of pollution control; in that respect, in 2018, there was an SRO on EPR, but it could not play a proper role, he said.
At the beginning of the meeting, BUILD CEO Ferdaus Ara Begum updated the meeting with the progress achieved in the implementation of decisions of the Sustainability and Green Growth Working Committee. She mentioned that the Bangladesh Bank had revised the provisions and design of the Green Transformation Fund to make it more accessible for all manufacturers-exporters for importing environment-friendly machinery. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has issued an SRO to get the battery-run electric vehicles registered.
BUILD Chairperson Abul Kasem Khan said that in addition to recycling and managing waste, we also need to promote green growth through diversification and broader adoption of environment-friendly models and solutions such as jute-based pulp, bamboo-based fibre, bio-fuel from waste, and so on. Citing the example of neighbouring countries that are coming up with innovative and sustainable business solutions, he underscored the importance of close and regular cooperation among the public and private sector through the SGGWC and its two proposed sub-committees.
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