United News of Bangladesh

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.

Bangladesh is  committed to supporting the Global Plastic Treaty in the upcoming United Nations Environment Assembly 5.2,    Environment, Forests and Climate Change Minister Md. Shahab Uddin has said. The minister said this at a virtual policy dialogue organized by Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) on Saturday.  The dialogue discussed the issues regarding the Global Plastic Treaty approach in UNEA 5.2. The minister said, “The Government of Bangladesh participated actively in the previous sessions. We will take part in the upcoming fifth UN Environment Assembly. It will take place in 2022 to discuss the possible head start of negotiations of a global agreement to curb plastic pollution. We are hoping that countries from all over the world will support the requirement for a global agreement, which will lead to the proposal requests an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a new legally binding treaty on plastic pollution. It will be established at UNEA 5.2.” According to panelists David Azoulay, Geneva Managing Attorney, Director of Environmental Health Program, Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), “Bangladesh Govt. needs to focus particularly on waste fishing gear and the cheap plastic use in textile industries for the upcoming negotiation;” “Solo initiatives cannot combat the global crisis. We must follow how other nations are intervening regarding this matter and work together to achieve a reduction in plastic pollution which will lead us to a global agreement”, said the ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, ITO Naoki. ESDO chairperson, Syed Marghub Murshed said, “It is really concerning because Bangladesh is one of the most plastic-polluted countries in South Asia. Plastic has a significant environmental impact. All of these facts are well known, but the plastic pollution situation is worsening day by day in Bangladesh. Because it is a worldwide issue, the solution must be global as well.” According to the United Nations, 127 countries have passed regulations on single-use plastic bags to incentivize consumers to use reusable bags when shopping due to a continuous significant contribution from several international organizations like EIA, CIEL, GAIA, ESDO, BFFP, IPEN, Earthworks, etc. Moving Forward, an international legally binding agreement that addresses the entire life cycle of plastics, from the extraction of raw materials to legacy plastic pollution is highly required considering the current situation of global plastic pollution, discussants at the dialogue said.

The government is finalising a sustainable plastic management plan to build a plastic pollution-free Bangladesh, Environment Secretary Md Mostafa Kamal said Sunday. The initiative to build a plastic waste-free Bangladesh by implementing the 3R principle – reduce, reuse, recycle – will continue, Mostafa added. He was addressing the review meeting "Toward a Multisectoral Action Plan for Sustainable Plastic Management in Bangladesh" at the ministry. Now, 37 per cent of plastic waste is recycled. The action plan sets a target of recycling 50 per cent of plastics by 2025 and 80 per cent by 2030, reducing plastic waste production by 30 per cent by 2030, and avoiding single-use plastics by 90 per cent by 2026. At the meeting, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) Jasim Uddin recommended banning the import of plastic waste from abroad. "The country's policy of reuse, recycling and reduction of plastic waste will not be useful if plastic waste is imported from abroad."