Bangladesh’s blueprint for a plastic-free nation
Dr. Md. Touhidul Alam Khan :
On this World Environment Day, to be observed on June 05, the global spotlight shines on the critical theme of “Ending Plastic Pollution,” a challenge that resonates deeply within Bangladesh.
As the international community convenes in the Republic of Korea, Bangladesh stands poised to confront the tangible realities of plastic waste and its profound impact on the nation’s environment, public health, and economy. This day marks a pivotal moment to not only acknowledge the scale of the problem but to reaffirm and invigorate the country’s commitment to decisive and sustainable solutions.
Recent data paints a clear, if concerning, picture of the current situation. While specific tonnage figures may vary across different reports, the underlying trend remains consistent: plastic waste generation is a significant and growing challenge, particularly within Bangladesh’s rapidly urbanizing cities.
A key 2024 report by the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) underscores this issue, highlighting the increasing proportion of plastic waste within municipal solid waste streams in major urban areas.
These compositional studies reveal that plastics now constitute between 12 per cent and 15 per cent of the total waste stream in Dhaka, a notable increase from the 10 per cent reported in previous analyses. This alarming rise emphasizes the urgency of addressing consumption patterns and waste management practices.
Adding to the complexity is the transboundary nature of plastic pollution. The Padma (Ganges) River, a vital waterway for Bangladesh, also serves as a major conduit for plastic debris originating from upstream sources. This transboundary flow significantly contributes to the overall burden of marine pollution within the Bay of Bengal.
A 2023 assessment from the World Bank underscores the pressing need for robust regional cooperation to effectively manage this challenge. It estimates that over 60 per cent of the plastic waste found along Bangladesh’s coastal regions originates from neighboring countries, highlighting the interconnectedness of the problem and the necessity for collaborative solutions.
The consequences of plastic pollution extend far beyond mere environmental degradation.
A 2024 study by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) reveals the widespread presence of microplastics in commercially important fish species across numerous major rivers and coastal zones. This finding raises significant public health concerns, underscoring the potential for microplastic contamination of the human food chain. Furthermore, the study highlights alarming levels of microplastic contamination within drinking water sources, amplifying the urgency for protective measures.
The economic ramifications of plastic pollution are equally significant. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) reports that waste management consumes roughly 25 per cent of the annual environmental budget, with a substantial portion allocated to the costly cleanup of plastic waste. These financial resources could be more effectively utilized to invest in sustainable infrastructure development and the promotion of innovative green technologies.
Despite the existence of policies such as the 2002 ban on polythene shopping bags, implementation gaps hinder their effectiveness. A 2023 policy review conducted by the Institute for Policy, Advocacy, and Governance (IPAG) suggests that weak enforcement mechanisms, a lack of affordable and readily available alternatives, and insufficient public awareness campaigns have undermined the ban’s overall impact.
The review also stresses the need to strengthen extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes to hold manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their plastic products, from production to disposal.
To effectively turn the tide against plastic pollution, Bangladesh must embrace a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach grounded in the latest data and best practices. The following strategies offer a framework for action:
” Bolster regulations and enforcement: Implement rigorous enforcement of existing bans and expand their scope to encompass other prevalent single-use plastics. Increase penalties for non-compliance and establish robust monitoring and tracking systems.
” Prioritize source segregation and recycling: Implement effective and accessible source segregation programs at the household, community, and commercial levels. Invest in cutting-edge recycling technologies to process a broader range of plastic materials, including the more challenging multi-layer plastics.
” Cultivate public-private partnerships: Foster strong collaborations between government agencies, private sector entities, and community organizations. Provide incentives for private sector investment in sustainable waste management infrastructure and innovative recycling solutions.
” Champion sustainable alternatives: Incentivize the production and utilization of biodegradable and compostable alternatives to single-use plastics through subsidies, tax breaks, and public procurement policies. Launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the environmental impacts of plastic pollution and promote sustainable consumption choices.
” Elevate regional cooperation: Actively engage with neighboring countries to develop and implement joint strategies for the effective management of transboundary plastic waste flows. Share best practices, research findings, and technological innovations to foster collaborative solutions.
On this World Environment Day 2025, Bangladesh has a renewed opportunity to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to tackling the pervasive plastic crisis. By embracing innovative solutions, strengthening policy frameworks, and fostering collaborative partnerships, Bangladesh can chart a course towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for its people and the planet. The time for decisive action is now, and the world is watching.
(The author is Managing Director & CEO of NRBC Bank and holds a PhD specializes in research focused on credit and sustainability risk assessment for banking sector in Bangladesh).