Under the project Integrated Initiative for Sustainable Plastic Use and Marine Litter Prevention in Bangladesh, a clean-up campaign on single-use plastic waste and an awareness discussion on environmental pollution were held at the auditorium of Pirojpur Sadar upazila parishad in Pirojpur on Monday.
The event was jointly organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and the Department of Environment, with financial support from the Royal Norwegian embassy, Dhaka, aiming to promote sustainable use of plastic products, said a press release.
Acting upazila nirbahi officer SM Al-Amin was present as chief guest at the programme, along with UNIDO Bangladesh project鈥檚 national project coordinator Sattya Bhattacharjee.
The session was presided over by Nikhil Chandra Dhali, assistant director of the Department of Environment.
Nikhil Chandra Dhali urged everyone to refrain from using single-use plastics.
SM Al-Amin emphasised the importance of collective action, noting, 鈥楾he public is now more aware of implementing government-imposed restrictions.鈥�
鈥榃e are leaving behind one of the most harmful legacies in the 鈥渁ge of plastics鈥� where single-use plastics and other plastic products clog drains, causing waterlogging even with light rainfall,鈥� he said.
He pointed to human activities as the root cause of the harmful impacts of plastics and urged everyone to take responsibility in ensuring the proper use of plastic products.
Sattya Bhattacharjee elaborated on the project鈥檚 goals in ensuring the proper use of plastic products and preventing marine waste.
He also informed the audience about reducing, reusing, and recycling plastics, and encouraged the youth to take initiative in innovating and marketing alternatives to single-use plastics.
Habibur Rahman stated that plastic waste used daily reaches the sea through canals, rivers and other water bodies, leading to contamination of fish and aquatic life with micro plastics.
Ahsanul Kabir stressed on the importance of raising environmental awareness, especially among the younger generation, and called upon businesses and other stakeholders to ensure proper use of single-use plastics.
Jagat Priya Dash called for nationwide initiatives on waste management and sustainable plastic use.
More than 250 volunteers from nine eco-friendly organisations participated in the campaign and awareness session, including Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Pirojpur Unit, Rover Scouts Pirojpur, BD Clean Pirojpur Branch, Positive Pirojpur, Youth Engagement and Support, YES Bangladesh, BNCC, Youth Student Society and Volunteer for Bangladesh.
Other participants included Moniruzzaman Nasim, acting UNO, Pirojpur Sadar upazila and freedom fighter Abdus Salam Baten along with representatives from nine voluntary organisations and environmental activists.
