Dhaka: Experts today underscored the critical need for enforcing laws to build public awareness and curb plastic usage in Bangladesh, as plastic use has escalated to the level of an addiction in the country. “Effective drive against the use of plastic bags will create demand for viable alternatives, encouraging the private sector to adopt substitute products,” they remarked at a Roundtable Discussion on Reducing Plastic Waste – ‘National Policy to Sustainable Actions’, organized by BRAC in observance of World Cities Day at the BRAC Centre in Mohakhali.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, served as the chief guest at the event chaired by BRAC’s Executive Director, Asif Saleh. Dr. Farhina highlighted, “The plastic we discard today will persist for over 400 years without decomposing. Plastic bags were banned 22 years ago, and the notion that there is still no alternative is unacceptable. While the government will prov
ide full support, we cannot expect ready-made solutions handed to us. We are all custodians of our natural resources, and we urge everyone involved to work with us to enforce the plastic bag ban effectively this time.”
BRAC’s Executive Director, Asif Saleh, added, “Plastic products remain widely used due to their low cost. Many people still choose plastic because it is inexpensive, and there is limited awareness of its environmental impact. There is a general reluctance to pay extra for eco-friendly alternatives, as understanding of long-term consequences is still developing.”
Dr. Md Liakath Ali, Director of BRAC’s Urban Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management Programmes, presented the keynote, stating, “Based on the National Action Plan for Sustainable Plastic Management, our targets are to achieve a 50 percent recycling rate by 2025 and reduce plastic waste generation by 30 percent by 2030. Strong collaboration among public and private sectors, civil society, and communities is vital to
addressing the crisis.”
Mohammad Anisur Rahman, Senior Director of BRAC Enterprises, noted that “Hard plastic is almost entirely recycled due to its market value. In contrast, flexible or single-use plastics have no commercial value for recycling, which is why they are commonly found littered everywhere.” He cited examples of other countries like Taiwan where government subsidies are provided to curb single-use plastic items.
Debabrata Roy Chowdhury, Company Secretary and Head of Legal and Taxation of Nestlé Bangladesh Limited, emphasized their commitment to achieving 100 percent reusable and recyclable packaging by 2030 despite challenges such as the significant contribution of the informal sector to plastic waste.
Ecologist Dr. Shahriar Hossain from the Environmental and Social Development Organisation (ESDO), reflected on Bangladesh’s pioneering move to ban plastic. He stressed the need for strict enforcement and mindset change to combat the plastic addiction that has developed over the years.
The roun
dtable featured various experts and stakeholders who shared their insights. The event also showcased exhibitions by BRAC and manufacturers of plastic alternatives, highlighting innovations in biodegradable substitutes and upcycled materials. According to global and local statistics, Bangladesh generates 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, with 87,000 tonnes being single-use plastic. This highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions to mitigate the plastic crisis.