Public health experts, academics and green activists at a discussion on Thursday stressed the need for expanding the role of plastic producers to beat environment pollution in the country.
The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh. organised the event at its auditorium in the capital to celebrate World Environment Day 2025 focusing on this year鈥檚 global theme: 鈥楤eat Plastic Pollution鈥�.
ICDDR,B executive director Tahmeed Ahmed inaugurated the celebration, emphasising the vital role of collective action in addressing environmental threats such as urban heat and plastic pollution.
鈥榃hatever we do in terms of environment, the ultimate goal is to ensure good health,鈥� he said.
ICDDR, B Environmental Health and WASH programme coordinator Mahbubur Rahman highlighted the health institute鈥檚 impactful contribution to environmental health through pioneering research and evidence-based interventions.
The speakers stressed the need to combat plastic pollution, which has seen global production nearly double since 2004 to 430 million tonnes.
The recommendations made at the discussion included individual efforts to avoid single-use plastics and choose natural fibre clothing, alongside community initiatives for organised waste collection and segregation.
They also urged industries to adopt eco-friendly packaging and proper filtration systems.
Policy-level action was also urged for strict enforcement and expansion of relevant regulations and mandating extended producer responsibility.
Farhina Ahmed, the environment secretary, in her speech as chief guest said that they became demotivated, frustrated and alone when they did not find anyone beside them.
She said that research based findings would create public awareness and engage more people to fight against plastic pollution.
Department of Environment director general Md Kamruzzaman and Directorate General of Health Services line director Zaynal Abedin Tito, ICDDR,B senior director Sarah Salway spoke at the event as special guests, among others.
The celebration concluded with an awards ceremony recognising inspiring environmental efforts, youth-led initiatives, and outstanding contribution to creating environmental awareness.
