In a significant milestone towards addressing lead contamination in Bangladesh, Pure Earth Bangladesh, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and the Department of Environment (DoE) have signed a tri-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) titled “Collaboration to Enhance Environmental Management and Policy Implementation to Manage Lead Pollution in Bangladesh” in January 21st, 2025. This partnership is a crucial step to enhance environmental management and policy implementation in tackling the country’s severe health and environmental impacts of lead pollution.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially handed over during the launch of the “Capacity Building for the Reduction of Lead Contamination in Bangladesh (FFEM Project)”, held at the InterContinental Hotel on February 17, 2025. The FFEM Project is supported by the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM), a funding mechanism of the French government.
photo caption: The tri-part MoU between Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Department of Environment (DoE) and Pure Earth was handed over in the presence of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the MoEFCC (at right side of the photo); Her Excellency Marie MASDUPUY, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh (in the middle of the photo), and Mitali Das, Acting Country Director of Pure Earth in Bangladesh (at the left side of the photo).
Distinguished guests present at the event, including the MoU handover session, were Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Dr. Md Kamruzzaman, ndc, Director General of the Department of Environment; and Mitali Das, Acting Country Director of Pure Earth in Bangladesh. Her Excellency Marie MASDUPUY, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh; Mr. Sheikh Sayidul Haque, Additional Director General (Planning and Development) of the Directorate General of Health Services; Maya Vandenent, Chief of Health at UNICEF Bangladesh; Shahriar Hossain, Ph.D., Secretary General of ESDO; and Dr. Tahmeed Ahmed, Executive Director of icddr,b were also present during this session.
Recognizing the Urgency
The collaboration underscores the urgent need to address lead contamination, particularly from used lead-acid batteries (ULAB). Lead pollution poses a significant threat to public health, especially for children, and the environment. The MoU sets the foundation for transitioning informal battery recycling practices to a formal economy while building local capacity to manage this pressing issue.
Objectives of the Partnership
The MoU outlines key objectives aimed at combating lead pollution:
- Enhancing Knowledge and Capacity: Equipping MoEFCC and DoE with tools and training for environmentally sound practices.
- Economic Transition: Supporting the formalization of the informal battery recycling sector.
- Remediation Programs: Building capacity to design and implement solutions for polluted sites.
- Awareness Raising: Educating stakeholders about the health and environmental impacts of lead contamination.
Scope of Cooperation
Under this agreement, Pure Earth will:
- Provide technical assistance and training to government agencies.
- Collaborate on developing and implementing policies to reduce lead pollution.
- Facilitate pilot projects demonstrating effective remediation and recycling practices.
- Conduct public awareness campaigns to promote safe recycling practices.
The government agencies, MoEFCC and DoE, will play a pivotal role by providing access to relevant data, supporting the implementation of pilot projects, and contributing to the creation of a comprehensive database tracking lead pollution.
Monitoring and Evaluation
A joint monitoring committee comprising representatives from Pure Earth, MoEFCC, and DoE will oversee progress and ensure compliance with the agreement’s goals. Regular assessments, milestone tracking, and transparent reporting are integral to this initiative.
Key Principles of Collaboration
The MoU is rooted in principles of good governance, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. It explicitly prohibits any form of corruption or unethical behavior, reinforcing the integrity of this partnership.
A Roadmap to Change
The MoU, effective until December 31, 2025, provides a roadmap for comprehensive action. With a detailed work plan to be developed within 60 days, the agreement prioritizes timelines, deliverables, and performance metrics to ensure measurable progress.
A Shared Vision for a Lead-Free Future
This partnership marks a critical step in reducing lead pollution in Bangladesh. By fostering collaboration, building capacity, and raising awareness, Pure Earth, MoEFCC, and DoE aim to create a sustainable and healthier future for the nation.
Stay tuned for updates as this groundbreaking initiative unfolds, paving the way for transformative change in environmental management and public health in Bangladesh.
