Pabna city is set to introduce a new waste management system under a partnership between Pabna Municipality, Square Pharmaceuticals PLC and BRAC.
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Saturday to develop the system and address the city’s growing waste management challenges, which are affecting its environment, public health, drainage and everyday life.
The signing ceremony was held at the auditorium of Pabna Shilpakala Academy.
Under the partnership, the three organizations will combine their experience and expertise to implement the initiative in coordination with the municipality’s existing waste management system.
Pabna Municipality will provide institutional leadership and oversight, while BRAC will provide technical leadership in designing and implementing the initiative based on local conditions and the views of relevant stakeholders.
The MoU was signed by BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh, Square Pharmaceuticals PLC Managing Director Tapan Chowdhury and Pabna Municipality Administrator Md Khairul Islam.
Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, member of parliament for the Pabna-5 constituency, attended the ceremony and spoke about the initiative. Dr Md Liakath Ali, director of BRAC, also spoke at the event and highlighted the objectives of the MoU.
Work under the initiative will initially begin in selected areas of Pabna city.
The initiative will focus on improving waste collection and disposal systems and engaging educational institutions, markets and local residents to promote waste segregation and recycling.
Improving the skills and occupational safety of municipal waste collection workers will also be a key focus.
Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas said: “Pabna is a nearly 200-year-old city, and various plans have been undertaken to improve it. In this context, waste management is an important initiative. Rather than relying solely on government efforts, everyone’s cooperation is essential.”
Md Khairul Islam, administrator of Pabna Municipality, said: “Waste management is a major challenge for municipalities like Pabna. We believe this initiative will bring about a long-term and sustainable solution through collaboration among the municipality, the private sector and development organizations.”
Tapan Chowdhury, managing director of Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, said: “If we can instill a sense of responsibility towards our own city from an early age, change is possible. Small initiatives need to start from schools, colleges and madrasas. What we need is the willingness of everyone to contribute, and our responsibility will be to support them from behind.”
Asif Saleh, executive director of BRAC, said: “Waste management is not only a challenge for Pabna; it is a major challenge for municipalities of all medium-sized cities. This is not simply an environmental issue. It is closely linked to public health, drainage, waterlogging, people’s quality of everyday life, and ultimately the question of whether a city will remain livable.”
He added: “BRAC has gained experience working on waste management in Cox’s Bazar, Savar, Saint Martin’s and Barisal. Our experience tells us that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Solutions need to be developed based on local realities. The municipality needs to lead, and we will provide support. A sustainable solution will only be possible through collective partnership.”
Dr Md Liakath Ali said: “Keeping Pabna city clean is not the responsibility of any single organization. It is a shared responsibility of everyone in Pabna.”
The MoU will remain in effect for two years. Based on a review of progress and lessons from implementation, the partners will develop plans for the next phase of the initiative.
