Bangladesh:

The Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shahab Uddin, announced that the government is implementing a ‘Multisectoral Action Plan for Sustainable Plastic Management in Bangladesh’ to control plastic pollution.

The environment minister made these statements as the chief guest at a workshop organized by the Department of Environment, where they discussed strategies to combat plastic pollution.

Minister Uddin mentioned that a three-year action plan has been developed to halt the use of single-use plastic in 40 upazilas across 12 coastal districts. Efforts are currently underway to gradually phase out various single-use plastic items at beaches and adjacent hotels and motels.

He also outlined specific goals, such as reducing the use of ‘virgin materials’ by 50 percent by 2030, eliminating 90 percent of single-use plastics by 2026, ensuring that 50 percent of plastic waste is recycled by 2025, and adopting an action plan to reduce plastic waste production by 30 percent by 2030.

Additionally, guidelines for implementing Extended Producer Responsibility are in the works. Minister Uddin stressed that success in preventing plastic pollution is achievable if all stakeholders work together.

He emphasized the importance of taking action against illegal polythene shopping bag production, transportation, sale, hoarding, and ongoing public awareness initiatives. The government, as well as public representatives, civil society, NGOs, the private sector, environmental organizations, and print and electronic media, must collaborate to address this issue effectively.