Youth lead waste management drive in Chittagong
NN Online :
In honor of World Environment Day, the International Youth Changemaker (IYCM) – Chittagong Chapter, a globally active voluntary organization, launched a public awareness campaign on proper waste management to help mitigate waterlogging and promote environmental protection during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha celebrations. The campaign officially commenced at the Bipani Bitan Merchant Welfare Association office, the central hub of the historic New Market in Chittagong. The initiative is a collaborative effort between IYCM Chittagong Chapter and Betagi Anjumane Rahmania, aiming to ensure safe and hygienic waste disposal—particularly concerning the remnants of sacrificial animals.
The event was inaugurated by Md. Nizam Uddin Sharud, Advisor to IYCM Chittagong Chapter, newly elected General Secretary of the Bipani Bitan Merchant Welfare Association, and Member Secretary of Dhara Chittagong Chapter. He emphasized the importance of civic responsibility and active youth participation in safeguarding the environment. The session was presided over by Syed Khurshid Alam, President of the Bipani Bitan Merchant Welfare Committee. In his keynote briefing, Lion Muhammad Obidur Rahman, President of IYCM Chittagong Chapter, outlined the objectives of the awareness campaign, which include: Promoting proper household and commercial waste disposal, Educating the public on the environmental impact of improper animal waste management, Distributing awareness materials across key marketplaces and neighborhoods
The event was attended by Mr. Salahuddin, Superintendent of Bipani Bitan (appointed by the Chittagong Development Authority), and a host of prominent community leaders, including: Alhaj Mohammad Shahjahan Chowdhury, Vice President, Shamshuddin Ahmed and Farman Ullah, Joint Secretaries, Mushfiqur Rahman Fahim, Finance Secretary, Md. Jahangir Alam, Md. Shoyeb, Mohammad Azam Iqbal, Jane Alam Chowdhury, Roni Saha, Md. Rezaul Karim, Mohammad Jamal Uddin, and Md. Nazim Uddin, Executive Members
Also in attendance were IYCM youth volunteers: Rezaul Mostafa, Md. Miraj Hossain, Umme Habiba Airin, Mahfuz Ahmed Nirjhar, Abdush Shukkur, Haresa Khanam Sukhi, and Sumaiya Binte Sweety.
As part of the campaign rollout, IYCM volunteers distributed educational leaflets in the Bipani Bitan area to raise awareness among merchants and the general public about hygienic waste disposal practices and the environmental impact of neglecting proper management.Leaders of the Bipani Bitan Merchant Welfare Association applauded the campaign and pledged continued support for IYCM’s environmental initiatives. They also called upon the public to responsibly dispose of sacrificial waste in designated bins provided by the City Corporation and relevant municipal authorities.