Discussion Meeting and Clean-up Drive Held to Combat Plastic Pollution in Khalpar, Dhaka
A discussion meeting and clean-up drive were held in the Khalpar area of Keraniganj, Dhaka, to raise public awareness about plastic pollution prevention, the sustainable use of single-use plastic products, and environmentally sound waste management. The program, held on Wednesday, brought together more than 200 participants, including members of BD-Clean, local residents, businesspeople, teachers, students, volunteers, and people from various walks of life. The discussions highlighted the importance of proper plastic waste management and maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
The program was organized under the project titled “Integrated Approach Towards Sustainable Plastics Use and Marine Litter Prevention in Bangladesh,” being implemented by the Department of Environment (DoE) of the Government of Bangladesh. The initiative is receiving technical assistance from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and financial support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangladesh.
Mohammad Ferdous Anowar, Director of the Dhaka Regional Office of the Department of Environment, attended the program as the chief guest. Mohammad Iliyas Mahmud, Deputy Director of the DoE’s Dhaka District Office, was present as a special guest. The meeting was chaired by Iqbal Md Jaker Hossain Kabir, headteacher of Kamrangirchar Government Secondary School. Representatives of the UNIDO project, local volunteer organizations, business communities, and other stakeholders also spoke at the event.
Speakers said that indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste was one of the major causes of environmental pollution. Plastic waste accumulates in drains, canals, and other water bodies, obstructing water flow and harming aquatic ecosystems. Uncontrolled plastic consumption and inadequate waste management also pose risks to public health, in addition to damaging the environment.
To address these challenges, they emphasized the need to reduce the use of single-use plastics, adopt reusable alternatives wherever possible, and segregate waste at source. They also called for adherence to the internationally recognized 3R principles—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—to promote the sustainable use of plastic products.
The speakers further stressed that ensuring a clean environment requires more than occasional clean-up drives. Regular awareness-raising activities, responsible behavior, and active community participation are equally important. They highlighted the need to establish sound waste management practices at the household level, dispose of waste at designated locations, and refrain from dumping plastic waste into canals and other water bodies.
They also expressed their commitment to building cleaner communities by engaging young people and people from all walks of life in sustained clean-up activities in Khalpar and other areas of Keraniganj.
Following the discussion, a clean-up drive was conducted along the Khalpar area on the bank of the Buriganga River, led by members of BD Clean’s Keraniganj and Kamrangirchar branches. Representatives of the Department of Environment and the UNIDO project, local administration, students, volunteers, and local residents took part in the initiative.
The drive collected approximately 546.8 kilograms of single-use plastic waste. The collected waste included polythene bags, juice and chips and chanachur packets, food packaging materials, and various types of household plastic waste.
Participants and organizers expressed hope that the initiative would help raise local awareness about preventing plastic pollution, promoting responsible waste management, and creating cleaner public spaces. They also underscored the importance of continuing such initiatives and strengthening community participation to protect the environment.
