Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin said the government has taken initiatives to implement a circular economy method and extended producer responsibility (EPR) to prevent plastic pollution in Bangladesh.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has taken up the project in this regard, he added.
The minister made the statement as a chief guest at a seminar on “Adopting Circular Economy for Sustainable Plastic Management in Bangladesh” on the occasion of World Environment Day on Thursday.
He said four targets have been set in the multisectoral action plan for plastic management, one of which is to reduce the use of single-use plastics by 90%. “Other targets will be implemented in phases by 2030.”
Besides, Shahab Uddin said efforts are underway to formulate business models to prevent plastic pollution.
In addition, a separate study is being conducted on consumer behavioral change, he added.
He further said that a national committee was formed under the Solid Waste Management Rules 2021 that will review the action plans and annual reports of the local government institutions on solid waste management, including the prevention of plastic pollution.
“If this is implemented, control of plastic pollution along with solid waste will be easier,” he added.
Also, stakeholder participation, raising public awareness raising, monitoring and enforcement will be strengthened and enforcement of relevant laws and regulations will be ensured,” Shahab Uddin added.
The waste management rules mention the recognition of commendable or exemplary work every year among local government authorities for solid waste management, cleaning, and environmental management.
Mentioning that a concerted effort to curb plastic pollution is essential, the minister added that it will be possible to check plastic pollution with everyone's cooperation.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry Additional Secretary (Environment) Sanjay Kumar Bhowmik, FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin, World Bank Country Director Abdoulaye Seck, development aid agency UNIDO Bangladesh Country Director Representative Dr Zaki Zaman, UNIDO Regional Head Dr René van Berkel also spoke in the seminar under the chairmanship of Director General of Environment Department Dr Abdul Hamid.
The keynotes were presented by Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman and CEO Masrur Reaz and GIZ India's Waste Consultant Kartik Kapur.
