Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, on Monday called for coordinated efforts among South Asian nations to address the escalating plastic waste crisis.
Speaking as the chief guest at a high-level discussion on “Plastic Waste Management Challenges and Solutions in South Asian Countries,” she stressed the need for a comprehensive approach involving sustainable production, effective waste management systems and public awareness to this end.
The meeting was held at Hotel Intercontinental, Dhaka, reports BSS.
The environment adviser highlighted the growing threat of plastic pollution, noting that despite calls to reduce plastic usage, it is increasing, with microplastics now being consumed through food.
She underscored the need for consumer awareness to reduce the use of harmful plastic products.
In response, a decision has been made, following discussions, to replace polythene shopping bags in supermarkets and local markets with eco-friendly alternatives, she said.
In addition, Rizwana said, efforts are underway to promote the widespread use of jute and jute-based products as a sustainable solution.
She said the damage caused by plastic pollution is irreversible and called for collective efforts to control transboundary plastic pollution.
Rokeya Khatun, director general of SACEP; Gayle Martin, operations manager of the World Bank; Sudhir Muralidharan, UNOPS country manager for Bangladesh; Marie Masdupuy, ambassador of France to Bangladesh and Tapan Kumar Biswas, additional secretary, also spoke at the event.
The meeting gathered policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from South Asia to explore regional cooperation, technology transfer, and policy alignment.
Participants discussed best practices, emphasising the importance of cross-border collaboration to address plastic waste and its environmental and health impacts.
