Govt to introduce circular economy to prevent plastic pollution

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin on Thursday said the government is soon going to introduce a circular economy method and extended producer responsibility (EPR) in the country to prevent plastic pollution.

The minister shared this information at a seminar on 'Adopting Circular Economy for Sustainable Plastic Management in Bangladesh' on the occasion of World Environment Day, 2023 under the slogan 'BeatPlasticPollutions' held at the Department of Environment in the capital.

Four targets have been set in the multisectoral action plan for plastic management. The ministry also aims to reduce the use of single-use plastics by 90 per cent, he added.

Other targets will be implemented in phases by 2030. Besides, efforts are underway to formulate business models to prevent plastic pollution. Apart from this, a separate study is being conducted on consumer behavioural change, he continued.

Shahab Uddin said the National Committee formed under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2021 will review the action plans and annual reports of the local government institutions in solid waste management, including prevention of plastic pollution.

The rules mention the recognition of commendable or exemplary work every year competitively among local government authorities for solid waste management, cleaning and environmental management activities.

If this is implemented, control of plastic pollution along with solid waste will be easier. Also, stakeholder participation, public awareness raising, monitoring and enforcement will be strengthened and enforcement of relevant laws and regulations will be ensured, the minister hoped.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry Additional Secretary (Environment) Sanjay Kumar Bhowmik, FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin, World Bank Country Director Abdoulaye Seck, development aid agency UNIDO Bangladesh Country Director Representative Dr Zaki Uz Zaman, UNIDO Regional Head Dr René van Berkel also spoke in the seminar under the chairmanship of Director General of Environment Department Dr Abdul Hamid.

The keynotes were presented by Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman and CEO Masrur Reaz and GIZ India's Waste Consultant Kartik Kapur.

Officials of government and non-government organisations, representatives of various plastic-related brands and representatives of development organiaations also spoke in the seminar.

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