Dhaka, 17 February 2025 :
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, urged the university community to take meaningful steps toward eliminating plastic waste and setting an example for other institutions. ‘Once BRAC University finalizes its action plan for a plastic-free campus, I would invite other private universities to learn from the initiative, fostering a responsible future generation,’ she said.
Environment Advisor said this while delivering the chief guest speech at the inaugural ceremony of ‘Plastic-Free Zero-Waste Campus: Green Pledge’ at BRAC University today.
Highlighting the severe impact of plastic pollution, she pointed out that microplastics have infiltrated human organs, including kidneys, livers, and even brains. ‘Research suggests that microplastics in the brain may obstruct blood flow, posing severe health risks. While scientists are still studying the full impact, it is clear that this is not good news.’
The Advisor also shed light on Bangladesh’s alarming plastic consumption, stating, ‘We produce two crore plastic shopping bags daily. The Buriganga River, for example, has thick layers of polythene on its bed, making even dredging difficult and costly.’ She stressed that plastic pollution is affecting not only rivers but also agriculture, with farmers finding plastic waste in their fields due to poor waste management.
Calling for a shift in mindset, she questioned why people hesitate to give up plastic bags when their ancestors managed without them. ‘Every time you go shopping, carry your own bag. Jute bags are readily available—why not use them?’ Rizwana Hasan urged.
While acknowledging the role of recycling, she warned that it is not a simple solution. ‘Developed countries have better recycling facilities, yet they prioritize alternatives because recycling is energy-intensive and involves harmful chemicals. Our focus should be on reducing plastic use, not just recycling it.’
The Environment Advisor also emphasized the need for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), ensuring that manufacturers take responsibility for collecting and recycling their plastic waste. ‘Bangladesh is finalizing its EPR directive soon, making large companies accountable for their waste.’ Concluding her speech, she challenged individuals to take responsibility. ‘Many ask why polythene bags are still available if they are banned. Instead of questioning the authorities, ask yourself why you are still using them despite knowing their harmful effects.’
The event at BRAC University marks a significant step in Bangladesh’s fight against plastic pollution, inspiring students and faculty to take action towards a cleaner, greener future.
Tamara Abed, Chairman, Board of Trusttees, BRAC University; Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor, BRAC University also spoke on the occasion. Teachers, Students, Faculties were also present at the occasion.
In the inauguration ceremony BRAC and BracU signed an MoU for this purpose. Later, Advisor visited stalls of exhibition showcasing alternatives to plastic materials. She also handed over certificates to the winning students.
Industries Must Take Responsibility for Pollution Control : Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan
Dhaka, 17 February 2025 :
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, stressed that industries must be held responsible for pollution control and should be trained in remediation plans. “The responsibility of pollution control cannot rest solely with the government; industries must actively participate in cleaning up pollution,” she said.
The Environment Advisor emphasized the urgent need for stricter regulations and industry accountability in tackling lead contamination in Bangladesh. She delivered the chief guest’s speech at the launching ceremony of the “Capacity Building for the Reduction of Lead Contamination in Bangladesh” held on Monday at Hotel Intercontinental, Dhaka.
Advisor highlighted that with support from international partners like France, the Department of Environment now has the capacity to develop a time-bound action plan to tackle lead pollution. “While taking immediate action against all polluting industries may not be feasible, we must at least address those operating without environmental clearance,” she stated.
Rizwana clarified that the goal is not to shut down industries but to ensure compliance by obtaining clearance, assessing their locations, and implementing remediation measures. Environmental clearance certificates should include mandatory periodic remediation actions, requiring industries to clean up their systems within a specific timeframe.
As a financial accountability measure, she suggested creating a pollution remediation fund. Industries would deposit an amount that would be reimbursed upon successful remediation, while failures would result in the government utilizing the funds for cleanup efforts.
To strengthen monitoring and enforcement, she stressed the need for community involvement. While enforcement must remain under government control, community members should be engaged in monitoring environmental compliance.
Rizwana also emphasized the importance of including the National Board of Revenue (NBR) in the multi-stakeholder steering committee to facilitate the transition from lead-acid batteries to lithium-ion alternatives through revised taxation policies.
Additionally, medical professionals should be involved to highlight the health risks of lead contamination. Calling for urgent standardization, she urged the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) to expedite setting pollution control standards, adopting global benchmarks where necessary.
‘This initiative is crucial for public health and environmental protection. Lead contamination poses a severe risk, especially to children. A structured action plan will significantly reduce this threat and ensure a sustainable future,’ she concluded.
Dr Md. Kamruzzaman, Director General of the Department of Environment presided over the launching Ceremony whereas Marie Masdupuy, Ambassador of French to Bangladesh spoke as the guest of honour. Sheikh Sayidul Haque, Addl. Director General (Planning and Development) of DGHS; Dr Tahmeed Ahmed, Executive Director, icddr,b; Maya Vandennent, Chief of Health, UNICEF Bangladesh, Mitali Das, Executive Director, Pure Earth Bangladesh and Sohanur Rahman,Executive Coordinator, YouthNet Global also spoke in the occasion.
