Bangladesh is facing a growing electronic waste (e-waste) crisis that poses serious risks to public health and the environment, speakers warned at an advocacy meeting in Dhaka on Wednesday.
The meeting, titled “E-Waste Crisis in Bangladesh 2021–2025: Impact on Human Life and Environment,” was organised by rights-based advocacy group VOICE with support from the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) at the Civic Center of VOICE.
It brought together representatives from civil society organisations, environmental groups and media outlets to discuss findings of a new assessment report and explore ways to strengthen environmental governance and accountability in Bangladesh’s expanding digital economy.
According to VOICE’s latest assessment, Bangladesh generates around 3 million tonnes of e-waste annually, while less than 10% is formally recycled. The report also highlighted major shortcomings in the implementation of the Hazardous Waste (E-Waste) Management Rules, 2021.
Although all surveyed entities were registered with the Department of Environment, none had collected end-of-life electronic products during the last fiscal year, indicating a significant gap between regulatory requirements and practice.
In his opening remarks, VOICE executive director Ahmed Swapan Mahmud stressed the need for stronger enforcement of existing laws.
“Bangladesh took an important step by introducing the Hazardous Waste (E-Waste) Management Rules, 2021. However, implementation remains weak and inadequate,” he said, calling for stronger oversight and accountability mechanisms.
VOICE deputy director (Programmes) Musharrat Mahera highlighted the broader implications of the growing e-waste burden, warning that improper disposal of discarded electronics is creating serious environmental and public health challenges requiring urgent and coordinated action.
Presenting the findings, VOICE’s Bandhan Das underscored the risks posed by toxic substances in e-waste. Exposure to hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and cadmium can contaminate human bloodstreams, impair children’s cognitive development and affect fetal growth during pregnancy, he said.
Representatives from Green Voice, BAPA, Sangbad, The Financial Express and Ittefaq also expressed concern over the state of e-waste management in the country.
They called for stronger government commitment, regular monitoring and corrective measures to address implementation gaps in the existing legal framework.
The meeting concluded with a renewed call for immediate action to address Bangladesh’s growing e-waste challenge and protect public health and the environment from its long-term consequences.