Even after 139 years since its establishment, Tangail Municipality has yet to develop a permanent modern waste management system.
Open dumping of household and medical waste at the city's main entry points has created severe environmental pollution, foul odors, and growing public health concerns.
The municipality, established on 1 July 1887, covers about 29.43 square kilometres and serves more than 200,000 voters. However, it still has no permanent dumping station or modern waste treatment facility.
Large quantities of waste are dumped every day beside the Rabna Bypass on the Tangail–Mymensingh highway and near the Kagmari crematorium, two of the city's major gateways. Thousands of commuters and passengers travelling through these routes are forced to endure unbearable stench, often covering their noses with cloths while passing the areas.
Residents say the open dumping of household refuse, rotten food, dead animals, and even untreated medical waste from private hospitals and diagnostic centres has made the surrounding environment hazardous.
Medical experts warn that decomposing waste releases harmful gases and disease-causing microorganisms into the air. Continuous exposure may increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, allergies, asthma, skin diseases, and long-term liver and kidney complications.
Environmentalists also point out that indiscriminate waste disposal is filling canals and drainage systems. During the rainy season, plastic and solid waste clog drains, causing frequent waterlogging in different parts of the city.
Local residents say living near the dumping sites has become increasingly difficult because of the persistent foul smell and pollution. Some families have reportedly moved away, while others complain that even tube-well water has become contaminated by the odor.
Drivers and passengers using the Rabna Bypass also expressed frustration, saying the smell makes travelling through the area extremely unpleasant.
Environmental activists have urged the municipality to immediately establish a modern waste treatment plant and relocate the dumping sites away from residential and busy public areas.
Tangail Municipality Executive Engineer Shahjahan Ali said that a major project to establish a modern waste management system has already been undertaken. He expressed hope that construction work would begin by December, adding that measures would also be taken to reduce the odor and improve waste disposal practices.
Experts believe that unless immediate steps are taken, uncontrolled waste disposal will continue to threaten public health and the environment across Tangail.
