Bangladesh Government will increase fines for environmental pollution

Fines for environmental pollution will be increased by the Bangladesh Government. The existing penalty amount will be revised. Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Minister of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC), Bangladesh, gave this information after the meeting of the parliamentary standing committee of MOEFCC, Bangladesh, recently.

Saber Hossain Chowdhury said that if the tannery stops using its ETP, the profit would be between TK 5 to 10 lakh. However, they are fined TK 20,000 for pollution by closing the ETP. So, it is natural that they will take the opportunity to pay the fine.

The amount of fine should be related to the degree of crime. Penalties will be revised. He also mentioned that the law will be changed to allow anyone affected by environmental pollution to directly file a lawsuit.

SabHossain Chowdhury mentioned that the meeting also addressed the pollution caused by power and energy sector projects.

There is no mention of this in the new power and energy master plan. Different countries who are investing here are following their country’s standards, they are asking for additional concessions.

He said that they will hold a meeting with the concerned parties regarding this matter. They will look at the environment. Investors should consider the standards and laws of Bangladesh when releasing a project.

After the meeting, the Parliament Secretariat announced that the committee suggested taking steps to help kiln owners make more block bricks, raise public awareness about the benefits of using them, and ensure their use in government construction projects.