Bangladesh has stressed the urgent need for a coordinated regional approach to effectively combat plastic pollution, highlighting the importance of collective action to address the growing environmental threat.“South Asia, home to some of the world’s most important river systems, is facing a growing plastic pollution crisis. Plastics cross borders, accumulate in our shared waters, and threaten ecosystems and livelihoods alike. This calls for a coordinated regional strategy built on cooperation, innovation, and sustainable financing,” said Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed.The secretary made the call while speaking at a high-level panel discussion on “Policy and Regulatory Challenges of Managing Plastic Waste” in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Monday.Farhina led a three-member Bangladeshi delegation at the discussion.She outlined three core reasons behind the region’s ongoing struggle to manage plastic waste: inadequate waste management practices including open dumping and burning; weak enforcement of existing policies; and limited regional cooperation on data sharing and joint monitoring, the release added.Farhina called for the formulation of a South Asian Regional Multisectoral Plastic Action Plan, featuring harmonised policies for a circular economy, unified regulatory standards to reduce plastic generation, and alignment with the Global Plastics Treaty.  

She proposed strengthening the recycling value chain through collaborative waste collection, sorting, and investment in innovative recycling technologies.Bangladesh also urged South Asian nations to phase out hazardous plastics and additives while promoting safer, recyclable alternatives. A regional plastic waste tracking system and targeted clean-up programs for legacy plastic hotspots were proposed to improve governance and accountability. She highlighted the need to enhance law enforcement to curb illegal plastic dumping and trans-boundary leakage.

The secretary emphasised the importance of South Asia-specific research, public-private partnerships for sustainable packaging, and digital tools like AI-driven waste monitoring. “Solutions imported from elsewhere may not work here. We must invest in innovation tailored to our region.”

The Plastic-Free Rivers and Seas Roundtable brought together high-level government officials, policy experts, and environmental leaders from across South Asia to forge a united path toward tackling plastic pollution in trans-boundary water systems.