Nairobi: Bangladesh has called upon the international community to adopt an ambitious global treaty to combat plastic pollution, emphasizing that any delays in negotiations will exacerbate the global environmental crisis. 'Bangladesh has lived the reality of plastic pollution for decades-from clogged waterways to poisoned soils and disrupted food chains,' stated Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Farhina Ahmed made these remarks during a speech at the High-Level Ministerial of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, held at the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Kenya. She highlighted Bangladesh's pioneering ban on thin plastic bags, illustrating that ambitious policies supported by public commitment can lead to meaningful change.
Dr. Farhina explained that Bangladesh's national efforts are now in sync with its global advocacy, as the country pushes for a comprehensive global plastic treaty. This treaty aims to tackle pollution throughout the entire lifecycle of plastics, including production, chemical additives, waste management, and justice for affected communities.
The environment secretary stressed that isolated national actions are insufficient to address the scope of plastic pollution. 'The global plastic treaty is our best chance to transform isolated efforts into a coherent, enforceable international system. We need a treaty that cuts plastic production, regulates toxic additives, and ensures a just transition for workers and communities,' she stated.
Dr. Farhina urged the international community to expedite the negotiation process, warning that procedural delays are costly. 'To get there, countries must accelerate negotiations-fewer delays, clearer draft text, and genuine political resolve. Every round we lose to procedural debates is another year of unchecked pollution. The world cannot afford that, and neither can Bangladesh,' she warned.
She reiterated that Bangladesh's stance is informed by its experiences and a commitment to protecting people, rivers, ecosystems, and future generations. Md. Ziaul Haque, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment, also attended the meeting as part of the Bangladesh delegation and participated in another session discussing "Toxic skin bleaching: A growing global health threat."