Patuakhali: The Department of Environment (DoE) today conducted a cleanliness drive at Kuakata beach in the Patuakhali district. This initiative was undertaken to address pollution at popular tourist spots including St. Martin, Cox's Bazar, and Kuakata, following directives from Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the drive at Kuakata resulted in the collection of approximately 323 kilograms of plastic waste from a 6-kilometer stretch of the beach. A press release from the ministry highlighted the types of waste collected, which included food wrappers, polythene, single-use plastics, bottles, cigarette packets, fishing nets, cosmetics, and e-waste. The effort saw participation from key figures such as Ashiqur Rahman Sami from the ministry, Mohammad Asaduzzaman from the DoE Patuakhali office, and 30 individuals from Dhaka University and the Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS). DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid commented on th e pollution issue, attributing it to tourists' ignorance. He emphasized the need for necessary measures to address the problem and called for public cooperation in maintaining cleanliness at all tourist spots, including beaches.
