Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the adviser for environment, forest and climate change, has urged manufacturers to adopt responsible practices by producing durable electronic goods.
Speaking at a seminar titled "Formal E-Waste Management," on Sunday, International E-waste Day, Rizwana called for active participation from relevant stakeholders.
The adviser encouraged individuals and organizations to support the environment ministry by providing suggestions for the effective implementation of e-waste management policies.
She also discouraged consumers from discarding items prematurely due to fleeting trends, stressing the importance of proper e-waste management, as the government prepares to implement the E-waste Management Rules, 2021.
The adviser emphasized reducing waste as a primary solution, advocating for the promotion and regulation of the recycling industry.
She highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive, nationwide e-waste management system involving government agencies, private sector stakeholders and citizens.
The informal handling of hazardous materials posed significant environmental and health risks, she warned.
The seminar gathered policymakers, environmental experts and industry leaders to discuss challenges and solutions for managing e-waste in Bangladesh, emphasizing the dangers of informal recycling practices like open burning, which contribute to pollution and health hazards.