Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo today held a meeting with Nepal's Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari at the Bangladesh Secretariat focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in key sectors. Photo: PID

DHAKA, April 1, 2026 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo today held a meeting with Nepal's Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari at the Bangladesh Secretariat focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in key sectors.

During the meeting, they discussed strengthening collaboration in areas including environment, forest management, climate change, energy, education and tourism.

The Minister said both Bangladesh and Nepal are climate-vulnerable countries, underscoring the need to expand afforestation and increase the use of environment-friendly technologies in the energy sector.

He also highlighted the government's initiatives for environmental protection and its climate-resilient development plans.

The Nepalese envoy shared his country's success in forest management, noting that around 45 percent of Nepal's land area is covered by forests. 

He expressed interest in enhancing Bangladesh-Nepal cooperation in addressing climate change and referred to the potential for joint initiatives under BIMSTEC.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry Secretary Md. Raihan Kawsar, along with other senior officials, was present at the meeting. 

Both sides agreed to further expand mutual cooperation in environmental conservation, forest management and climate change mitigation, according to a press release of the ministry.