No alternative to integrated efforts to curb plastic pollution: Environment Minister
Staff Correspondent
Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Abdul Awal Mintoo emphasized that government agencies, the private sector, development partners, research institutions, civil society, and waste management workers must act in a coordinated manner to curb plastic pollution.
He stressed the urgent need to transition toward a circular economy by reducing single-use plastics, expanding reuse models, and strengthening waste collection and recycling systems.
The minister made the observations while speaking as the chief guest at the official inauguration of the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Bangladesh, held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka on Tuesday.
The event, themed "Integrated Action Towards a Circular Economy," was jointly organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, UNDP Bangladesh, and the World Economic Forum's Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP).
"Plastic pollution is severely impacting urban drainage systems, rivers, wetlands, coastlines, public health, and ecosystems. Conversely, plastics remain closely tied to production, trade, employment, and daily life.
Highlighting the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Guidelines 2026 for plastic waste management, the minister underscored that rigorous implementation is essential to achieve tangible results.
Speaking as the special guest, State Minister for Environment Sheikh Faridul Islam asserted that the success of NPAP Bangladesh must be measured by real-world impact rather than the number of meetings held.
UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller noted that unmanaged plastic waste clogs drainage channels, exacerbates flooding risks, and pollutes marine ecosystems, while open burning of waste poses severe health hazards to local residents and waste collectors.
Clemence Schmid, Director of Global Plastic Action Partnership at the World Economic Forum, delivered a video message at the event.
Chaired by Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Dr. Fahmida Khanam, the launch was attended by Additional Secretary Mohammad Navid Shafiullah, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment Mohammad Sulaiman Haider, UNDP Bangladesh Assistant Resident Representative Sardar M. Asaduzzaman, alongside diplomats, civil society leaders, and industry stakeholders.
