UNICEF Bangladesh and ESDO recently organized a pivotal Stakeholder Consultation Workshop focused on evaluating and enhancing the legislation, policies, and standards regarding lead poisoning in Bangladesh.

As part of the “Addressing Children’s Environmental Health with a Particular Focus on Lead Poisoning in Bangladesh” project, the working group session covered key topics in this workshop:

Bangladesh Food Safety Act 2013: Examining its effectiveness in addressing lead contamination in food and discussing necessary updates.

SRO on Standards of Lead in Paint: Evaluating current standards, identifying shortcomings, and suggesting modifications to reduce lead content below 90 ppm.

SRO on Battery Recycling 2021: Assessing regulations on lead recycling, proposing improvements for better protection of workers and the environment, and integrating informal recyclers into the formal sector.

Policy Recommendations: Drawing lessons from successful strategies in other developing countries to reduce lead poisoning and improve public health in Bangladesh.

The workshop, chaired by Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Hashem and attended by Prof. Ainun Nishat, brought together diverse stakeholders from various sectors, including government ministries, academic institutions, and industry associations.

Diverse and multi-disciplinary stakeholders’ from the relevant sectors including the Ministry of Finance, National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institutions (BSTI), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), Bangladesh Paint Manufacturers Association (BPMA), Accumulator Battery Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh (ABMEAB); academic institution: Dept. of Law and public health from Jagannath University, Jahangirnagar University, Brac University, actively participated in this workshop shared their insights in the working group session.

Together, we aim to protect our children and communities from the dangers of lead poisoning. Your support and involvement are crucial in making this change possible.