Sangsad Bhaban: The Cabinet on Monday approved in principle the draft of Bangladesh Biodiversity Act- 2013 aimed at protecting the country's rich biodiversity and make its use sustainable.

The approval was given in the regular meeting of the Cabinet held at cabinet room of the Sangsad Bhaban with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

The Cabinet also approved the draft of the Cultural Cooperation Agreement with Azerbaijan.

Briefing reporters after the meeting Cabinet Secretary M Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan said, the new law proposed for a national committee comprising the representatives of all concerned ministries and department, research organizations and experts.

Separate committees will be constituted at the local levels for management of the biodiversity resources, he said.

The cabinet secretary said, any activities harmful for biodiversity will be considered as offense and responsible person would have to face a maximum five- year imprisonment and a fine of Taka 10 lakh or more.

Mosharraf Hossain said the cultural exchange agreement with Azerbaijan will expand cooperation with Azerbaijan in the areas of cultural, education, science and technology and sports.

In the meeting state minister for housing and public works affairs Abdul Mannan informed about his visit to Nairobi to attend 24th session of the Governing Council of the UN Human Settlements Programme.

He informed that the UN will establish an office of UN Habitat in Dhaka to strengthen its activities in Bangladesh.

Ends/AMA/AMA/10/06/13