Sustainable management of plastic waste demands practical and collaborative measures, emphasised speakers at the roundtable discussion “Policy for Progress: Building a Sustainable Bangladesh”.
The event, organised by Policy Exchange Bangladesh, was held in the capital and focused on addressing plastic waste management challenges and opportunities in Bangladesh.
Speakers highlighted that effective policies require public-private partnerships, realistic implementation plans, and reliable alternatives. They underscored that bans imposed without viable transitions often lead to economic disruptions, citing the 2002 polythene ban as an example of an intervention that lacked comprehensive support for producers and consumers.
Dr M Masrur Reaz, Chairman and CEO of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, noted Bangladesh’s growing plastic consumption, stating that per capita usage increased from 3 kg in 2005 to 9 kg in 2020, with Dhaka residents consuming 24 kg annually.
He mentioned ongoing efforts, including an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy under the 2021 Solid Waste Management Rules and a planned ban on single-use plastic (SUP) items. However, Dr. Reaz warned that such measures must consider environmental and economic challenges to avoid unintended consequences for industries and livelihoods.
Shamim Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BPGMEA), stressed the importance of understanding the impact of SUP bans, emphasising that immediate prohibitions would disrupt supply chains that support vulnerable communities.
He advocated for research-driven policies and prioritisation of EPR measures to manage SUP threats effectively.
Maqsood Sinha, co-founder of Waste Concern, highlighted the economic implications of EPR policies, cautioning against measures that could further strain the country’s economy. He called for sustainable approaches that balance environmental goals with economic stability.
Debabrata Roy Chouwdhury, company secretary and head of Legal and Taxation at Nestlé Bangladesh, underscored the role of community-driven initiatives and public awareness in building effective waste management systems. He noted that fostering a culture of recycling and reuse, alongside capacity development, is crucial for successful EPR implementation.
Other notable speakers included Zahid Ullah, Chief Sustainability Officer of DBL Group; Farid Uddin, former member of the National Board of Revenue (NBR); and Mohsena Yasmin, former Acting Chair of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). Journalists and representatives from development organisations also contributed to the dialogue.
The discussion concluded with a call for greater collaboration among stakeholders to develop practical, high-impact EPR policies. Participants emphasised the importance of public awareness and media engagement in driving collective action against plastic pollution.
