United News of Bangladesh

In 2002, Bangladesh made global headlines by becoming the first country in the world to ban thin plastic shopping bags. It was a pioneering step towards environmental protection, driven in part by the role of plastic bags in clogging drainage systems and worsening flooding. Yet, the decision had to be effectively recycled 22 years later from square one, which itself showed the abject failure across governments to implement the 2002 decision. However, following the formation of the interim government in 2024, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan introduced strict measures to reduce single-use plastic, particularly polythene bags. Key initiatives included banning plastic and polypropylene bags in superstores from October 1, 2024, and extending the ban to fresh markets nationwide from November 1, 2024. The government also launched countrywide enforcement drives, mobile court operations and raids on illegal polythene factories. On September 5, 2024, the Cabinet Division directed ministries, divisions and public offices to avoid 17 designated single-use plastic items and replace plastic files, water bottles, banners and bags with paper, glass, cotton or jute alternatives. Although the initiatives had brought success in some places, implementation remained challenging in fresh markets, where vendors and customers continued using inexpensive polythene bags despite the ban. The lack of affordable, water-resistant alternatives for wet goods such as fish and meat also hindered progress. Meanwhile, a comprehensive Extended Producer Responsibility framework to hold major beverage and consumer-goods companies accountable for their plastic packaging remained under development. Today, we are still fighting with plastic hazards and a short spell of rain can leave Dhaka's streets waterlogged, while the Buriganga River continues to bear the burden of pollution. The widespread use of plastic bags, despite the ban, exposes a troubling gap between environmental policy and its enforcement. A material once hailed for its convenience has become a serious threat to our environment. The scale of the problem is alarming. According to the World Bank's 2021 report, Towards a Multisectoral Action Plan for Sustainable Plastic Management in Bangladesh, annual per capita plastic consumption in Bangladesh's urban areas tripled from 3 kg in 2005 to 9 kg in 2020. In Dhaka, the figure reached 22.5 kg per person annually. The report also highlighted the growing challenge of managing plastic waste in the capital. These are historical figures rather than current estimates, but they illustrate the scale of the problem Bangladesh must address. In 2020, Dhaka generated approximately 646 tonnes of plastic waste every day, up from 178 tonnes in 2005, then-World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan Mercy Tembon said at a workshop on "Sustainable Management of Plastic to Leverage Circular Economy and Achieve SDGs in Bangladesh". According to the WB, only around 37 percent of the city's plastic waste was recycled. The remainder was disposed of in landfills, leaked into rivers and other water bodies, or otherwise mismanaged. These figures raised a fundamental question that still demands a satisfactory answer today: where does all the plastic we use actually end up? Much of the problem lies in the everyday products we discard without a second thought: thin polythene bags, snack wrappers, food packaging and plastic bottles. When these items enter drains and canals, they obstruct water flow and aggravate urban flooding. Plastic pollution also threatens aquatic ecosystems and contributes to the spread of microplastics through the environment. Poorly managed waste can create stagnant pools of water that provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes, while unsafe recycling practices can expose workers and nearby residents to hazardous fumes.

The government has unveiled a five-year environmental and climate action plan centred on planting 25 crore trees, restoring degraded forests, expanding mangrove coverage, creating green jobs, promoting climate-resilient agriculture and tightening pollution monitoring. The measures, outlined in the budget document for fiscal 2026-27, seek to combine nature-based climate adaptation with stronger environmental governance, digital monitoring and new financing mechanisms, including carbon trading. The plan comes as Bangladesh faces rising temperatures, increasing salinity in coastal areas, extreme weather and severe air pollution. According to a World Bank report, Bangladesh’s average maximum temperature increased by about 1.1 degrees Celsius between 1980 and 2023, while the heat index increased by 4.5 degrees Celsius. Extreme heat in 2024 was estimated to have caused about 250 million lost workdays and cost the economy up to $1.78 billion, or around 0.4 percent of GDP. The government estimates that its planned environmental initiatives could generate around 3.5 lakh green jobs, directly and indirectly, over the coming years. Nearly 10cr saplings targeted in FY27 Under the five-year programme, afforestation will be strengthened on marginal lands along roads, highways, embankments, riverbanks and canal banks. Government forest areas will be restored, while mangrove plantations will be expanded in coastal char areas. The government also plans to intensify afforestation in institutions and homesteads, agroforestry and urban forestry programmes. Degraded sal forests in the hilly areas of Chattogram, the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sylhet, as well as forests in the central region, will be brought under restoration programmes. For FY2026-27 alone, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has set a target of planting 4.28 crore saplings on 25,960 hectares under block plantations. Another 3.27 crore saplings will be planted along 3,727 kilometres under strip plantations, while 1.77 crore saplings will be planted over 4,000 hectares under mangrove plantations. A further 56 lakh saplings are targeted under homestead afforestation programmes. Taken together, the four programmes amount to almost 9.9 crore saplings in a single fiscal year, equivalent to nearly 40 percent of the government’s five-year target of 25 crore trees. The government has also finalised an action plan under the “One Child, One Tree Programme” to facilitate the planting of 1 crore trees at the homes and homesteads of students enrolled in government primary schools. Focus on restoring forests and biodiversity The plan goes beyond tree planting, with the government intending to restore 4,500 hectares of encroached forest land and expand protected areas by another 300 hectares. Digital technology will be used to improve transparency in afforestation. GPS- and GIS-based information on areas planted by the Forest Department will be collected and maintained, while a Tree Monitoring App is being developed for maintenance and digital surveillance. The emphasis on biodiversity also comes as Bangladesh updates its assessment of threatened species. The Bangladesh Forest Department and IUCN Bangladesh formally launched a project in January 2026 to update the country’s Faunal Red List, using the latest IUCN categories and criteria. Bangladesh had earlier launched its first Plant Red List in 2024, assessing 1,000 plant species. Under the new government plan, assessments will cover 2,200 wildlife species, including marine species, as part of the updated wildlife Red List. Mangroves enter carbon market strategy The government also plans to bring 50 percent of coastal mangrove forests under carbon trading mechanisms, linking ecosystem conservation with climate finance. Eleven new carbon-trading projects are being pursued under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, according to the budget document. Bangladesh has already established institutional arrangements for an Article 6 carbon market, including a designated national authority and a readiness roadmap. The Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry has also been working on a national carbon-market framework, with the government stressing the need for transparency and accountability in carbon-market activities. Climate-resilient agriculture gets priority Agriculture will be another major pillar of the plan, particularly in southern Bangladesh where salinity and water-related stresses increasingly affect farming. The government plans to excavate canals adjacent to rivers in the southern region to reduce soil salinity and improve freshwater availability. Financing will also be provided for developing new crop varieties through organic agriculture, safer fertiliser use and environmentally sustainable production practices. The plan includes promoting salinity-tolerant agriculture and strengthening climate resilience in coastal areas through safe water supplies, sustainable embankments, riverbank protection and cyclone shelters. The World Bank has identified salinity intrusion, water stress and temperature changes as major threats to Bangladesh’s agriculture and has called for greater adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. In coastal Bangladesh, rising sea levels and changes in freshwater flows are also intensifying river salinity, affecting livelihoods, fisheries and food security, according to recent World Bank research. Plastic waste targeted under circular economy model On waste management, the government is moving towards what it calls a “Circular Future Model”, under which waste would increasingly be treated as a resource through energy generation, organic fertiliser production and plastic recycling. The government aims to reduce plastic waste by 30 percent over the next five years under the 3R policy — Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Seventeen single-use plastic items have already been identified and banned through official notification, while broader efforts are under way to strengthen sustainable plastic management. The government also plans to update regulations and formulate new guidelines for the environmentally sound management of electronic waste. Air pollution remains major challenge Air pollution control is another major component of the environmental programme. The government will continue monitoring air quality through 15 Continuous Air Monitoring Stations and 16 Compact Continuous Air Monitoring Stations.  

Though long accustomed to monsoon floods, Dhaka has in recent years experienced unprecedented waterlogging that persists for weeks, even after moderate rainfall. A growing number of studies blame clogged drains from polythene bags and the loss of natural canals due to encroachment as major reasons for the prolonged waterlogging in the city. A study led by Sarwar Uddin Ahmed and Keinosuke Gotoh, affiliated with Nagasaki University’s Faculty of Engineering and Graduate School of Science and Technology, respectively, has delved into the environmental dynamics of Dhaka’s waterlogging problem. Their research, combining Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) surveys and satellite remote sensing, highlights the complex interplay between human behaviour, urban development and environmental degradation in exacerbating flood risks. Polythene Bags: Small Culprits, Big Impact For decades, Dhaka’s drainage system has struggled to cope with the city’s rapid urbanisation and monsoon rains. But the surge in polythene bag usage has proved to be an especially pernicious problem. These lightweight, durable plastic bags are frequently discarded in the streets, blocking drains and water channels. Comfort in the rain, discomfort in the streets As Ahmed and Gotoh point out, polythene bags have jammed the drainage infrastructure, preventing free water flow and causing water to stagnate. “Waterlogging is no longer just a result of heavy rainfall. Even moderate showers can lead to floods bcause the city’s drainage is clogged by plastic waste, particularly polythene bags,” Ahmed explained.

Speakers on Wednesday said that plastic waste management in city and rural areas remains a serious challenge in Bangladesh. According to BRAC’s 2024 Baseline Study conducted in Cox’s Bazar, an estimated 34.5 tonnes of plastic waste are mismanaged daily in the municipality -- much of it flowing into canals, drains, and eventually the sea. The study also found that only 18 per cent of the population practices waste segregation at source, with many lacking access to formal waste collection services. In response to the growing plastic pollution crisis, a high-level national dialogue titled “Municipal Waste Management: Addressing Plastic Pollution in Bangladesh” was held  at InterContinental Dhaka. Organised by BRAC under its flagship Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) project -- funded by the World Bank with support from South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) -- the event brought together senior government officials, municipal leaders, private sector representatives, researchers, and development practitioners. Additional secretary of Local Government Division (LGD) AKM Tariqul Alam and additional secretary at Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) Mohammad Navid Safiullah graced the event as guests of honour while Environmental Specialist atbThe World Bank Bushra Nishat attended as the special guest. The welcome address was delivered by Imamul Azam Shahi, Programme Head, Urban Development Programme (UDP), while Ekhtekharul Islam, a faculty member at the Independent University, presented the keynote, says a press release. Sankalita Shome, chief coordinator at the Bangladesh Sustainability Alliance (BSA), moderated the panel discussion while Insights were shared by Municipal Administrator of Cox’s Bazar Municipality Prof Yunus welcomes investment proposals from UAE in various sectors Rubaiya Afroz, senior chemist (Waste and Chemicals Management) of Department of Environment (DoE) Kazi Suman,  deputy secretary at MoEFCC Rubina Ferdousi, Country Head of Corporate Affairs and Brand and Marketing of Standard Chartered Bangladesh Bitopi Das Chowdhury, Country Director at Practical Action Ishrat Shabnam, and Joint secretary (Climate Change) of MoEFCC Dharitri Kumar Sarkar Speaking at the event, AKM Tariqul Alam emphasised the importance of preventing plastic waste from flowing downstream into the sea by strengthening systems that intercept waste along rivers and streams. He added that Bangladesh can benefit from both studying international best practices and scaling up homegrown, locally-led innovations in waste management. Mohammad Navid Safiullah stated that the ministry has reinforced regulatory measures and scaled up enforcement to address the growing plastic pollution crisis. In parallel, it is actively promoting sustainable alternatives, such as jute- and potato starch-based products. Bushra Nishat highlighted that although Bangladesh’s per capita plastic use -- around 9 kg annually -- is significantly lower than that of countries like the USA or UK, the consequences of mismanaged plastic waste are much more severe. She identified inadequate source segregation as a major challenge and underscored the need for household-level awareness to drive meaningful community participation in waste management. In his closing remarks and vote of thanks,  Director of Climate Change, Urban Development and Disaster Risk Management Programme at BRAC Dr. Md. Liakath Ali stressed the importance of multi-level stakeholder coordination and the adoption of circular economy principles to address plastic waste effectively. With increasing momentum in plastic waste management efforts, he expressed hope that Bangladesh is moving steadily towards its long-term vision of zero waste. The dialogue underscored the need for stronger municipal leadership and coordination. Participants emphasised that city governments must be equipped with the authority, resources, and capacity to implement effective, locally-led waste management solutions. Speakers highlighted persistent gaps in collection, segregation, and enforcement -- particularly in urban coastal areas such as Cox’s Bazar, where tourism and the influx of Rohingya populations have intensified the challenge. While national policies are in place, translating them into actionable interventions at the municipal level remains a critical hurdle. An exhibition was also organised as part of the event, showcasing innovative solutions piloted under the PLEASE project in Cox’s Bazar. Green entrepreneurs -- including ProPad, DenimRevive, Repro, Wonder Garden, EcoCare, EcoSundar Khulna, and Art for Arter -- displayed recycled and upcycled products, such as shoes made from discarded denim and eco-friendly sanitary items. Guests were introduced to the project’s aesthetically designed communal bins and a proposed plastic recycling facility -- both aimed at encouraging municipalities to adopt inclusive and sustainable waste management practices. Data from the PLEASE project indicate that approximately 12.5 per cent of household waste in Cox’s Bazar is plastic. This level of pollution poses a serious threat to coastal ecosystems and to the lives and livelihoods of communities that depend on the sea.

Bangladesh has stressed the urgent need for a coordinated regional approach to effectively combat plastic pollution, highlighting the importance of collective action to address the growing environmental threat. “South Asia, home to some of the world’s most important river systems, is facing a growing plastic pollution crisis. Plastics cross borders, accumulate in our shared waters, and threaten ecosystems and livelihoods alike. This calls for a coordinated regional strategy built on cooperation, innovation, and sustainable financing,” said Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed. Rizwana calls for positive mindset in environmental actions The secretary made the call while speaking at a high-level panel discussion on “Policy and Regulatory Challenges of Managing Plastic Waste” in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Monday. Farhina led a three-member Bangladeshi delegation at the discussion. She outlined three core reasons behind the region’s ongoing struggle to manage plastic waste: inadequate waste management practices including open dumping and burning; weak enforcement of existing policies; and limited regional cooperation on data sharing and joint monitoring, the release added. Farhina called for the formulation of a South Asian Regional Multisectoral Plastic Action Plan, featuring harmonised policies for a circular economy, unified regulatory standards to reduce plastic generation, and alignment with the Global Plastics Treaty.   She proposed strengthening the recycling value chain through collaborative waste collection, sorting, and investment in innovative recycling technologies. Bangladesh also urged South Asian nations to phase out hazardous plastics and additives while promoting safer, recyclable alternatives.  A regional plastic waste tracking system and targeted clean-up programs for legacy plastic hotspots were proposed to improve governance and accountability. She highlighted the need to enhance law enforcement to curb illegal plastic dumping and trans-boundary leakage. This is what forecasters mean when they talk about a 100-year flood The secretary emphasised the importance of South Asia-specific research, public-private partnerships for sustainable packaging, and digital tools like AI-driven waste monitoring. “Solutions imported from elsewhere may not work here. We must invest in innovation tailored to our region.” The Plastic-Free Rivers and Seas Roundtable brought together high-level government officials, policy experts, and environmental leaders from across South Asia to forge a united path toward tackling plastic pollution in trans-boundary water systems. Study warns 4°C warming could cut global GDP by 40% by 2100

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources Ministry, has stressed the need for effective action against plastic pollution. The adviser came up with the remark while speaking at a conference titled "From Policy to Action: Integrated Approaches for Combating Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter in Bangladesh", as a chief guest, held at the Department of Environment in Agargaon, on Wednesday. She also clarified that the government has not banned single-use plastic items but is working to discourage their use to encourage the development of safer alternatives by local entrepreneurs. "This way, we can gradually move away from single-use plastics, for which we do not have a proper waste management system," she said. Making climate-friendly lifestyle choices isn't always easy. India learned the hard way The adviser also condemned false claims that the government has prohibited all single-use plastics, calling them "blatant lies" that create unnecessary tensions among plastic manufacturers. Highlighting the severity of plastic pollution, she remarked, "Plastic waste does not disappear; it breaks down into microplastics, which are then consumed by fish and ultimately enter our food system. This is a choice we must all make—individually, as a government, and as businesses." She stressed that Bangladesh already has readily available alternatives for most single-use plastic items and called for stronger commitments from businesses. She also criticized the hazardous working conditions in illegal plastic production facilities in Old Dhaka and emphasized the need for a structured phase-out plan. 19 canals to be reclaimed in Dhaka this year: Rizwana "An integrated approach is needed—banning is just one aspect, but phasing out, recycling, and reuse are equally crucial. The Finnish government has expressed interest in supporting us in establishing a state-of-the-art recycling facility, and we will engage in discussions with them soon," she announced. She further urged businesses to collaborate on a time-bound action plan to eliminate single-use plastics well before 2030.   Expressing concern over resistance to regulations, she strongly condemned recent attacks on Department of Environment officials attempting to shut down illegal polythene bag production units. She also stressed the need for national unity in tackling plastic pollution. "A complete ban is possible if we rise above personal interests and work together in the interest of our community and country," she said. The conference brought together policymakers, environmental experts, and stakeholders from various sectors to discuss actionable strategies for reducing plastic pollution and marine litter in Bangladesh.  

In an effort to tackle the mounting challenges of plastic pollution, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, alongside the Ministry of Water Resources, is preparing to introduce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines. Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan made the disclosure in a meeting held on Thursday at the Bangladesh Secretariat. She said the initiative aims to hold producers accountable for the full lifecycle of their products, ensuring effective reuse, recycling and safe disposal of plastic waste. The meeting focused on drafting guidelines for EPR as a strategic measure to control plastic pollution. Adviser Rizwana calls for refraining from using fireworks on New Year’s Eve "Producers must take responsibility for their products, even at the end of their lifecycle. Through these guidelines, opportunities for reusing, recycling and safely managing plastic waste will be significantly enhanced," said Rizwana Hasan. She emphasised the importance of collective efforts in addressing the issue, urging all stakeholders to work together. "Raising awareness about the harmful effects of polythene and microplastics is crucial. We must bring about a shift in people's mindset. Only a united approach can help us control the plastic crisis." Senior officials, including the Secretary and Additional Secretaries of the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Ministry, as well as representatives from various non-governmental organisations, attended the meeting. The EPR initiative is expected to play a vital role in guiding Bangladesh toward environmentally sustainable development by curbing plastic pollution and fostering eco-conscious practices.

Golam Rabbi, a resident of New Eskaton, Dhaka, engaged in a dispute with an attendant at the cash counter of a Shwapno super shop outlet in the area over a Tk 11 charge for a jute bag. The altercation arose after the government banned the use of polyethylene bags in such shops from October 1, 2024. Ultimately, Rabbi left the outlet without purchasing grocery items worth about Tk 1,300, upset by the Tk 11 charge for the jute bag. The sales operators tried to explain by showing him the government order banning plastic bags in super shops, but he remained unconvinced. Bangladesh seeks climate justice: Syeda Rizwana Hasan Incidents like this are becoming common as sales operators now supply fish, meat, and other frozen items in paper bags instead of polybags following the government's embargo on plastic bags in super shops. Bangladesh generates about 87,000 tonnes of single-use plastics annually, much of which ends up as waste. As a result, the government has begun enforcing a ban on single-use plastics as part of broader efforts to reduce plastic waste, starting with grocery bags. Experts said that Bangladesh has been grappling with a significant plastic pollution problem. The country's rapid industrialization and growing population have increased demand for plastic products. This, coupled with inadequate waste management infrastructure, has led to widespread plastic pollution, particularly in urban areas and waterways, they added. In response to this issue, the interim government issued a gazette notification on August 27, 2024, to phase out single-use plastics (SUP) in 17 sectors, in accordance with an order from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change issued on June 20, 2024. The notification instructs immediate implementation of the ban to protect the environment and reduce pollution. Stakeholders Shamim Ahmed, President of Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) told UNB that an inter-ministerial meeting is a must before issuing such an order banning SUP in 17 sectors, otherwise, 6000 industries will be heavily affected and thousands of labour would be unemployed. “Government officials attended such meetings earlier without any home study on the issue, as a result, they (officials) do not understand what decision will be fruitful, and what the alternative of the plastic products is,” he pointed out from his long-time experience. Recently joined a workshop in Japan on plastic products and visited Singapore. BPGMEA President Ahmed said these developed countries of Asia are using plastic in every sector like Bangladesh. But they (Japan and Singapore) collect 100 percent of plastic waste and recycle it. He said considering inadequate supply, higher prices and lack of adoption capacity of plastic alternative sources, developed countries like Japan and Singapore cannot be successful in using the alternative of plastic so far. Most of the countries in the world are focusing on well management of recycling plastic waste, which is a good alternative so far, he said. Shamim Ahmed giving examples of the export-oriented and domestic consumption packaging sector said that packaging is not possible without Iodised salt that comes from plastic, edible oil packaging without plastic bottles and liquid milk packaging is impossible. The resolution adopted by the United Nations Environment Assembly on March 2, 2022, has focused on establishing effective recycling infrastructure considering the proportion of plastic in the circular economy globally. Proposal to manage plastic waste from stockholders- The BPGMEA has put forward a proposal to protect the environment and industries before the invention of suitable alternatives of plastic products. It suggested plastic waste into wealth by developing the right waste management plans for Bangladesh. Developing awareness among common people to dispose of plastic in a specific place, including textbook curriculum about waste management, setting up enough ‘BIN’ for plastic waste in different places including bus-rail stations, parks, and walkways. Shoppers back polythene ban, worry about alternatives Use Local Government Institute (LGI) to enhance knowledge adoption and supply equipment at subsidised rates for setting up plastic waste management plants in urban areas. Introduced plastic circularity for sustainable waste management, through which the government should arrange technology supply and provide loans at reduced interest rates for setting waste management plans in Bangladesh like other developed countries. Banning plastic production is not a solution, so Bangladesh should follow in this regard otherwise industry operation would be quite impossible. Such as food processing, Pharmaceuticals packages, hospital equipment, agricultural modernisation, and export packaging sectors would not run without plastic products. Banning steps will affect these industries heavily, said the industry stockholders. Statistics of plastic-related industries According to Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) data published in 2021, SL Industry Sector Total industries Production value (TK) 1 Manufacturing of food products 9397  Tk1263747 million 2 Manuf of Beverages  37  Tk123330 million 3 Manufacturing of Tobacco products 181  Tk286171 million  4 Manuf. Of Chemical & chemical products 251 Tk121526 million 5 Pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemicals & Botanical products 149 Tk268624 million 6 Manuf. Rubber & plastic products 943 Tk661469 million   Client Opinion: Unilever Bangladesh, a leading fast-moving consumer goods producer is a big customer of many SUP products, which company is marketing its products in Bangladesh and globally in plastic packaging. This type of company is not a producer of plastic products, but Unilever is the customer for packaging its products as single-use plastic packets or bottles. Shamima Akhter, Director of Corporate Affairs of Unilever, told UNB that publishing a phase-out list of plastic products is appreciated. She, however, emphasised inclusive dialogue with stockholders for awareness and priorities of products for implementing the phase-out plan. Shamima said that Unilever is marketing with 1.3 million shop owners in Bangladesh for a large number of products that have been packaged in plastic products for as long as considering good quality ensuring products in plastic packaging. “If an alternative packaging system is developed at a reasonable rate, Unilever will use that, until the invention alternative, it is essential plastic packaging,” she pointed out. She also emphasised more research on it and focuses on recycling single-use plastic products considering its no alternative.

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, posing significant threats to both human health and the environment. As we observe World Environment Day today (June 5, 2023), it is crucial to shed light on the harmful effects of plastic pollution and raise awareness about the urgent need for action. This global observance serves as a timely reminder that the choices we make today have far-reaching consequences for the well-being of our planet and future generations. Harmful Effects of Plastic Pollution on Human Health Plastic pollution has become a major environmental concern in recent years, and its impact on human health is a growing area of research. Here are some of the harmful effects of plastic pollution on human health. Exposure to Microplastic Microplastics, small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have infiltrated various aspects of our lives, including our food and water sources. These tiny particles are found in high concentrations in the oceans, freshwater bodies, and even the air we breathe. Seafood, such as fish and shellfish, often contain microplastics due to their ingestion of plastic debris in the marine environment. As a result, when we consume these contaminated seafood, we unknowingly ingest microplastics. Read more: Effects of Air Pollution on Unborn Children, Neonates, Infants Microplastics can accumulate in our bodies over time, causing potential harm. These particles can pass through the intestinal wall and migrate to other organs, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and disruption of normal cellular functions. Some studies suggest that microplastics may also have the potential to transport harmful chemicals and pathogens, further exacerbating health risks.

A 20-year-old Indian has been walking across Asian countries – to generate awareness on plastic pollution. Rohan Agarwal, a resident of Nagpur under the Maharashtra state, has reached Bangladesh after walking 15,000 kms. He is a student of Government Sikkim Professional University in India. Rohan said he started walking from the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on October 24 in 2020. Read more: Plastics used in farming piling up in soil: UN After traveling to 27 states of his country, Rohan came to Bangladesh through Bilonia border in Feni on October 8, 2022. He visited Chattogram Hill Tracts and came to Chandpur on November 10. In Chandpur, he met the deputy commissioner, municipality mayor and journalists at the local press club and delivered awareness speech – on the dangers of plastic pollution – at several educational institutions of the district. “This is my journey to save the planet from plastic pollution. I came to Bangladesh from India and meeting many people along the way,” Rohan said. He said the world is not only for humans; animals and plants also share the planet. “So, you must be aware of the environment. It is the responsibility of all people.” Read more: Innovative, smart solutions must for plastic waste management: Tazul Islam “Wherever I go, I talk about the plastic pollution in public places, including schools and colleges. I tell everyone that they should protect the environment,” the youth added.