Experts from a seminar stressed need for coordinated and sustainable action to manage solid waste in Bangladesh. Report UNB
The experts came up with the urge while speaking at a dedicated thematic session titled “Sustainable Management of Solid Waste: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward” held in Agargaon of the capital, said a press release issued on Thursday.
Department of Environment (DoE) organized the three-day long national seminar to commemorate World Environment Day 2025.
Hasin Jahan, Country Director, WaterAid Bangladesh presented the welcome speech at the event while the session was graced by Mohammad Navid Safiullah, additional secretary, of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry, as chief guest.
The session was chaired by Dr. Md. Sohrab Ali, Additional Director General of DoE.
The session, convened by WaterAid Bangladesh in collaboration with the Department of Environment and partners including, Swiss Red Cross, Bangladesh Petrochemical Company Limited (BPCL), WEEE Society Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS); brought together key voices from government, private sector, civil society, development agencies, academia and the media.
The event was held under the umbrella of the Swiss-supported GO4IMPact program, jointly implemented by WaterAid Bangladesh-Swisscontact Bangladesh consortium.
Speakers and participants explored the current realities of plastic, organic and electronic waste, and discussed the systemic reforms needed to address the growing environmental and public health risks.
When speaking, Mohammad Navid Safiullah said that a three-pronged approach is essential for effective solid waste management: mass public awareness, institutional enforcement and strong regulatory action.
Hasin Jahan highlighted that waste solutions must go beyond bins. “Behaviour change, incentives, and circular thinking are key to ending plastic pollution.”
Dr. Md. Sohrab Ali, Additional Director General, Department of Environment emphasized the need for stronger institutional leadership and coordinated action.
Shirin Sultana Lira, Program Manager – Governance, Climate Change and Environment, Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh emphasized that collaboration, coordination and joint action are prerequisites for building a cleaner, safer and climate-resilient future.
Saief Manzoor-Al-Islam, Team Leader, GO4IMPact program, who outlined the policy landscape, current management gaps and strategic recommendations for integrated solid waste management in Bangladesh, presented the keynote.
Presentations also included practical experiences on plastic waste by Khadem Mahmud Yusuf, Managing Director, BPCL; organic waste management by Kamalendu Das, Technical Manager, Swiss Red Cross; and e-waste management by Dr. Md. Mostafa Akbar, Vice Chairperson, WEEE Society Bangladesh.
A high-level panel discussion followed, featuring reflections on the roles of youth, citizens, development partners, private sector and local government in advancing sustainable waste solutions.
Razinara Begum, Director (Waste and Chemicals Management), Department of Environment (DoE); Shirin Sultana Lira, Program Manager, Governance, Climate Change and Environment, Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh; Dr. Tariq Bin Yousuf, Solid Waste Management Specialist, UDCGP, LGED; Sumaiya Tabassum, Head of Sustainability, Pran RFL; and Abrar Jahin Raein, Member, TIB General Assembly on Youth Engagement & Support (YES) Group, among others, spoke at the event.
The session also included an open discussion segment, where attendees contributed insights on the challenges, opportunities and actionable pathways for improving waste governance, infrastructure, and private sector participation across municipalities and rural areas.
Partha Hefaz Shaikh, Director- Programs and Policy Advocacy, WaterAid Bangladesh, delivered the vote of thanks, formally concluding session.
