Dhaka, Oct. 13 -- The government has been giving topmost priority to expanding solar power and solar-based irrigation from the very beginning to protect the environment and ensure alternative energy, Environment, Forest and Climate Change State Minister Shaikh Faridul Islam said Tuesday.

"Emphasis is being placed on boosting environmental protection and climate resilience through the expansion of solar power, increased use of electric vehicles, closure of polluting brick kilns, excavation and restoration of canals, and the initiative to plant 250 million trees," the state minister said.

The state minister made the remarks at a meeting with the European Union Delegation and representatives of several European countries at the conference ...