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 30 September 2024 Monday 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.