Draft of biodiversity act gets cabinet nod

The cabinet yesterday approved in principle the draft of Bangladesh Biodiversity Act-2013 to protect the country's rich biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use.
The approval was given in the regular meeting of the cabinet at cabinet room of parliament with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, cabinet Secretary M Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan said the new law proposed a national committee comprising representatives of all concerned ministries and department, research organisations and experts.
Separate committees will be constituted at local level for management of the biodiversity resources, he said.
Mosharraf said any activities harmful for biodiversity would be considered as offence and the responsible persons would face maximum five-year imprisonment and fine of Tk 10 lakh or more.