Dhaka: The Vidyananda Foundation has generated approximately Tk one crore through the sale of plastic waste collected over the past two years, a sum that has allowed the organization to provide meals for around four lakh people in areas governed by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the announcement was made at a 'Market in Exchange for Waste' event co-organized by the DSCC and Vidyananda Foundation in Kamrangirchar. The initiative aims to foster community involvement in cleanliness efforts, enhance waste management, and offer aid to underprivileged groups.
The temporary market saw thousands of local residents at Ashrafabad High School trading plastic waste gathered from their homes in exchange for essential goods. The event was inaugurated by DSCC Administrator and renowned freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam, with Dhaka-7 Constituency lawmaker Hamidur Rahman attending as a special guest.
During the event, Abdus Salam highlighted the crucial role of citizen participation in maintaining city cleanliness, describing the program as an effective model for engaging the public in waste management efforts. He noted the negative impact of improper waste disposal on water drainage and environmental health, advocating for designated waste disposal practices.
Plans were revealed for the establishment of a permanent stall in Gulistan, with intentions to progressively extend the initiative to all DSCC wards. Additionally, the DSCC administrator announced a forthcoming 'Books-for-Food' program aimed at street children, to be implemented at suitable Secondary Transfer Stations (STSs) equipped with chairs, tables, and books.
Residents of Kamrangirchar were encouraged to safeguard the Buriganga River, curb encroachment, and avoid indiscriminate waste dumping. Jamal Uddin, Executive Director of Vidyananda Foundation, stated the project's goal to collect approximately 100,000 kg of plastic waste through 100 mobile campaigns in the coming year.
The event also witnessed the presence of DSCC Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Md Mahbubur Rahman Talukdar, senior city corporation officials, and volunteers from Vidyananda Foundation.