Syeda
Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, has called for coordinated efforts
among South Asian nations to address the escalating plastic waste crisis.
Speaking
as the chief guest at a High-Level Roundtable Discussion on “Plastic Waste
Management Challenges and Solutions in South Asian Countries,” held on Monday
(September 30) at Hotel Intercontinental, Dhaka, she emphasized the need for a
comprehensive approach involving sustainable production, effective waste
management systems, and heightened public awareness.
The
Environment Advisor 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.
Additionally,
efforts are underway to promote the widespread use of jute and jute-based
products as a sustainable solution. She further stressed that the damage caused
by plastic pollution is irreversible and called for collective efforts to
control transboundary plastic pollution.
Prominent
figures, including Rokeya Khaton, 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
roundtable gathered policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from across South
Asia to explore regional cooperation, technology transfer, and policy
alignment. Participants discussed best practices, emphasizing the importance of
cross-border collaboration to combat plastic waste and its environmental and
health impacts.