Overview
Bangladesh faces a severe plastic pollution crisis, fueled by a rapid increase in plastic consumption and inadequate waste management infrastructure. The country’s per capita plastic use has tripled in the last 15 years, with urban areas experiencing even higher consumption rates. Despite existing regulations like the ban on thin plastic shopping bags in 2002 and the Jute Packaging Act of 2010, plastic waste continues to accumulate in landfills, waterways, and the Bay of Bengal.
A survey conducted in 2022 by Change Initiative, involving 1146 respondents nationwide, revealed alarming insights into the prevalence and consequences of plastic pollution. 40% of respondents reported seeing polythene bags scattered throughout their localities, while 35% acknowledged the increasing plastic pollution problem. The survey highlighted the dire consequences of plastic pollution, with respondents identifying navigability crises in water bodies and waterlogging issues as major concerns. Specifically, respondents from Mymensingh, Rangpur, Barisal, Chattogram, and Narayanganj pointed to navigability crises, while those from Khulna, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Feni, Dhaka, and Gazipur highlighted waterlogging as major problems caused by plastic waste.
These findings, along with the growing global momentum to combat plastic pollution, have led to increased calls for a complete ban on single-use plastic in Bangladesh. The government is actively considering a ban on single-use plastic by 2025, aiming to reduce the country’s plastic footprint and protect its environment and public health. This section presents a set of actionable recommendations, categorized by timeframe and responsible entities, to create a sustainable solution for curbing plastic pollution in Bangladesh.
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