Waste parade exposes Dhaka’s dumping crisis

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) on Saturday used refrigerators, televisions, sofas, mattresses, polythene and plastic waste recovered from city drains in an awareness procession to highlight how careless waste disposal fuels waterlogging and environmental pollution in the capital.

The “Waste Procession” was inaugurated at Shahbagh by DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam as the city corporation launched its monthly “Cleaning Day” programme across all 75 wards.

Displaying waste collected from blocked drains, DSCC sought to draw public attention to the direct link between indiscriminate dumping and Dhaka’s recurring waterlogging problems.

Speaking at the event, DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam said transforming Dhaka into a clean and green city would not be possible without stronger public awareness and civic responsibility.

“If everyone fulfills their responsibilities, a large part of the city’s waterlogging, waste management and environmental pollution problems can be controlled,” he said.

The administrator said residents should not hold the city corporation solely responsible for waterlogging, as citizens also have a duty to dispose of waste properly.

“Even a single polythene bag or a discarded mattress can block a drain and cause waterlogging across an entire neighborhood,” he said, urging people not to throw waste into drains.

He said changing public behaviour was essential to improve Dhaka’s environmental condition and reduce pollution.

“If we do not become conscious ourselves, it will not be possible to protect Dhaka,” Abdus Salam added.
The DSCC administrator said dustbins were being reinstalled across the city following the prime minister’s directive after many previously installed bins were stolen. He also urged business owners to keep waste bins in front of their establishments to prevent roadside dumping.

As part of the campaign, Abdus Salam announced that a special crash programme on mosquito control and waste management would be conducted on the first Saturday of every month in all 75 DSCC wards.
The programme will include routine cleaning activities, removal of clogged drains and cleaning of neglected areas. He invited social, voluntary and political organisations to participate in the initiative.

Highlighting the importance of environmental protection, the DSCC administrator stressed the need for extensive tree plantation to reduce carbon dioxide levels and increase oxygen supply.

He also praised volunteers from Bidyanondo Foundation for their community service, saying a cleaner and more liveable Dhaka requires joint efforts from citizens, media and civil society.

Following the inauguration, participants marched through several roads carrying waste recovered from drains to demonstrate the consequences of improper waste disposal. Awareness leaflets were also distributed among residents, explaining the causes of waterlogging, proper waste management practices and the harmful effects of plastic pollution.

The programme was organised alongside DSCC’s monthly “Cleaning Day”, which aims to strengthen waste management activities and improve cleanliness across the city’s 75 wards.

DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md Khairur Rahman attended the event as a special guest. Bidyanondo Foundation Executive Director Md Jamal Uddin, environmental activists, students, volunteers, DSCC officials and media representatives were also present.