Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed the authorities concerned to prepare an action plan to increase Bangladesh's carbon credits by reducing carbon emissions and making better use of opportunities in the international carbon markets.

He gave the directive at a meeting on climate change at the Prime Minister's Office at Secretariat where he also outlined a number of measures to help the country earn more carbon credits, said Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

The Prime Minister stressed the need to expand the use of renewable energy, promote environmentally friendly technologies in industries, improve energy efficiency, protect forests and increase tree plantation to enhance carbon absorption.

He also instructed the authorities to prepare a realistic plan to tap Bangladesh's potential in the international carbon markets.

Tarique emphasised ensuring transparency in carbon credit management, building a reliable database and strengthening coordination with international organisations.

He also directed the formation of a committee to improve coordination among the ministries and agencies concerned to help Bangladesh earn more carbon credits.

Officials at the meeting said effective measures to reduce carbon emissions would increase Bangladesh's chances of earning carbon credits in line with international standards.

A carbon credit is an internationally recognised unit awarded for reducing or removing one metric tonne of carbon dioxide or its equivalent greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere.

Under the carbon trading system, countries or organisations that reduce emissions through afforestation, renewable energy, improved energy efficiency or cleaner technologies can earn carbon credits, which can then be sold to countries or companies that exceed their permitted emission limits.

State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam, Prime Minister's Adviser on Education, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and Labour Mahdi Amin, Special Assistant on Health Dr SM Ziauddin Haider, Special Assistant on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Saimum Parvez, secretaries of the relevant ministries and senior officials attended the meeting.