The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy to protect the environment and combat climate change risks, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo told parliament on Wednesday.
Responding to a question from Kushtia-4 MP Md Afzal Hossain during the question-answer session, the minister said operations against illegal brick kilns have been intensified to prevent air pollution.
From November 2025 to March 2026, 11 illegal brick kilns have been completely demolished, he said.
Additionally, from 1 January to date, 15 cases have been filed and Tk30,000 in fines collected through mobile courts.
To prevent noise pollution, 32 hydraulic horns have been seized and destroyed, and leaflet distribution campaigns are ongoing to raise public awareness, the minister added.
Special initiatives have also been taken to install Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) in industrial establishments to prevent water pollution, he said.
Climate change adaptation plans
Responding to a question raised on behalf of Brahmanbaria-2 MP Rumeen Farhana, Mintoo said climate change is a slow-moving process, requiring long-term and integrated plans.
The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) have been prepared as part of this effort, he said.
Under the 180-day short-term plan, programmes have been taken for mangrove afforestation and planting 1.5 crore tree saplings across the country, especially in coastal areas, the minister said.
The Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership (BCDP) has been formed to create opportunities for international financing through carbon credit trading, he added.
A total of Tk 4,151.71 crore has been allocated to the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund from the 2009-10 fiscal year to 2025-26, Mintoo said. As of March 2026, 985 projects have been approved, of which 828 have been completed and 153 are under implementation.
The government is continuously adopting new strategies and plans as climate patterns change and is committed to delivering the benefits of these projects at the district and upazila levels, the minister added.
